3  1822022578603 


CALIFORNIA 
SAN  DIEGO 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA.  SAN  DIEGO 


3  1822  02257  8603 

THE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
INIV:  C    L.r^RNiA,  SAN 

LA  JOLLA,   CAUFORN1A 


Social  Sciences  &  Humanities  Library 

University  of  California,  San  Diego 
Please  Note:  This  item  is  subject  to  recall. 

Date  Due 

SEP  11 1999" 
SEP  1  7  1999 


Cl  39  (5/97) 


UCSD  Lib. 


HISTORY 


BAPTISTS  IN  MAINE; 


TOGETHER    WITH     BRIEF 


NOTICES  OF  SOCIETIES  AND  INSTITUTIONS, 


DICTIONARY  OF  THE  LABORS  OF  EACH  MINISTER. 


BY  REV.  JOSHUA  MILLET. 


PORTLAND: 

PRINTED  BY  CHARLES  DAY   &  CO. 

1845. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1845,  by 

JOSHUA  MILLET, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Maine. 


PREFACE. 


THE  following  work  was  commenced  amidst  much  hope 
and  fear.  The  Author  saw  the  desirableness  of  arresting 
from  oblivion  many  facts  important  to  the  history  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  Maine,  before  the  fathers  and  all  the  original  members 
fell  asleep.  He  therefore,  for  some  years  previous  to  com- 
mencing himself,  suggested  the  importance  of  the  undertak- 
ing to  several  ministers  whom  he  believed  competent  to  the 
undertaking.  But  no  one  was  disposed  to  engage  ;  and  he 
saw  many  obstacles  to  forbid  bis  commencing  so  important  a 
work.  He  anticipated  a  variety  of  perplexities,  a  long  and 
arduous  labor,  and  felt  his  incompetency. 

Nothing  therefore  but  an  impression  of  duty,  and  the  desir- 
ableness of  the  object  induced  him  to  begin.  And  even  then 
little  more  was  expected  to  be  accomplished  by  him  than  the 
collection  of  materials,  which  some  other  person  might  ar- 
range and  publish  to  the  world.  But  by  prayer,  and  the 
blessing  of  heaven  upon  his  persevering  toil,  he  is  rejoiced  to 
be  able  to  give  to  the  public  the  following  sketches.  No  la- 
bors have  been  spared,  that  could  be  consistently  devoted  to 
the  work,  to  collect  the  necessary  information  and  to  arrange 
the  facts  in  an  intelligible  manner.  A  chronological  order  is 
observed  so  far  as  possible.  There  has  been  also  a  constant 
and  careful  aim  at  correctness,  and  yet,  considering  the  sta- 
tistical character  of  the  work,  and  the  defectiveness,  in  many 
instances,  of  the  sources  of  information,  the  reader  will  not 
be  surprised  to  find  some  errors,  especially  in  the  numbers, 
names  and  dates.  Nothing,  however,  has  beenstated  which 
did  not  appear  to  have  a  strong' probability  at  least  of  cor- 
rectness. 


Vlii  PREFACE. 

Information  has  been  gathered  from  Backus'  History  of  the 
Baptists  ;  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists  ;  GreenleaPs 
Ecclesiastical  Sketches  of  Maine  ;  Williamson's  History  of 
Maine  ;  Willis'  History  of  Portland  ;  Bancroft's  History  of 
America  ;  Waterville  Intelligencer  ;  Baptist  Herald  ;  Zion's 
Advocate  ;  Journals  of  aged  ministers,  especially  those  of 
Elders  Isaac  Case  and  James  Potter  ;  Records  of  Churches; 
Minutes  of  Associations,  and  other  religious  Bodies  ;  and 
something  from  the  memories  of  aged  brethren  still  lingering 
among  the  living ;  and  Biographical  Sketches  of  deceased 
ministers.  The  Author  would  here  gratefully  acknowledge 
the  important  aid  he  has  received  from  many  of  his  minister- 
ing and  lay  brethren,  with  whom  he  has  corresponded. 

In  the  history  of  the  Associations,  the  most  important  things 
transacted,  resolved,  decided,  or  recommended,  are  given. 
In  the  accounts  given  of  the  Churches,  the  most  important 
facts  touching  their  history,  were  carefully  selected  from  the 
information  received.  In  some  instances  no  direct  informa- 
tion was  received.  The  sketches  therefore  of  such  churches 
are  necessarily  brief. 

In  regard  to  the  Tables,  they  are  as  correct  as  the  records 
of  the  denomination  from  which  they  are  made,  can  make 
them.  It  is  not  pretended  that  they  are  entirely  perfect,  but 
nearly  so. 

The  Dictionary  of  the  labors  of  the  Ministers  is  intended 
to  embrace  all  the  stated  labors  of  each  minister  who  have 
labored  and  are  now  laboring  in  the  State.  Many  of  the 
dates  have  been  gathered  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Associations 
and  churches  where  these  l;ibors  were  performed,  and  there- 
fore believed  to  be  correct. 

In  speaking  of  the  adversity  and  prosperity  of  the  Denom- 
ination, those  things  only  nre  admitted  which  were  deemed 
important  and  neceaeary,  to  show  the  causes  of  their  peculiar 
trials,  and  their  means  and  opportunities  for  advancement. 


CONTENTS. 

Preface, 


CHAPTER  I, 

The  shores  of  Maine  discovered  by  Pring  1603 — a  temporary  English  set- 
tlement at  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec  1607 — a  temporary  French  Catholic 
settlement  the  same  year  at  Ml.  Desert — first  permanent  settlement  at 
Saco  1623 — the  first  settlers,  Episcopalians — Maine,  on  account  of  her 
religious  tenets,  not  admitted  to  the  confederacy  of  the  other  New-Eng- 
land Colonies — Massachusetts  obtains  the  jurisdiction,  first  west  of  Saco 
river,  and  then  over  the  whole  province— and  with  her  civil  power  grad- 
ually extends  her  religious  influence,  ......  13 

CHAPTER   II, 

First  manifestation  of  Baptist  sentiments  in  Maine  fifty-eight  years  after  the 
first  settlement  at  Saco — Character  and  ministry  of  Mr.  Screven — the  first 
church  at  Kittery — the  feelings  of  the  people  toward  Baptists — the  pro- 
ceedings  of  the  Government — Mr.  Screven  forbidden  to  preach — Mr.  S. 
and  his  principal  adherants  driven  from  the  Province — no  other  Baptist 
church  gathered  for  a  period  of  eighty-five  years— changes  in  civil 
laws, 24 

CHAPTER  III. 

Churches  in  Berwick — Berwick  and  Madbury — a  temporary  church  in  Gor- 
ham — first  Baptist  Ordination  in  Maine — Churchin  Sanford — first  Baptist 
meeting-house  in  Maine — Churches  in  Wells  and  Lyman,  -  -  30 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Waterborough — Cornish — a  temporary  church  in  Fryeburg — Parsonsfield— 
Limerick — Buxton,  •  -  -  -  -  41 

CHAPTER  V. 

Lebanon  and  North  Berwick — Berwick  2d — Berwick  3d — Limington — 
Kennebunk-port — Kennebunk — Waterborough  2d,  a  temporary  church 
Hollis — Newfield  1st  and  2d,  both  temporary — Hiram,  49 

CHAPTER  VI. 

South  Berwick  Village — Saco — Acton — Cape  Neddock — North  Kenne- 
bunk port — Kennebunk  Village — Alfred — Parsonsfield  2d — Shapleigh  2d 
— 1st  Keunebunk  and  Lymau — Sanford  2d — Mt.  Hope — Springvale,  59 

CHAPTER  VII. 

York  Association — Brent\vood  Conference — New  Hampshire  Associa- 
tion, -  73 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Central  parts  of  the  State— origin  of  Baptist  principles  in  this  part  of  the 
Slate — first  Church  in  ihese  parts  at  Bowdoinham — second  at  Thomas- 
ton — third  at  Harpswell — first  Association  in  these  parts,  formed  by  these 
three  Churches  in  a  dwelling-house  in  the  town  of  Bowdoinham,  and  call- 
ed "  the  Bowdoinham  Association,"  .....  86 


X  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Origin  of  Bowdoinham  Association,  -          101 

CHAPTER  X. 

Churches  added  to  the  Bowdoinham  Association  from  1788  to  the  time  of 
its  division,  1804 — First  Bowdoin — First  Vassalboro' — Second  Vassal- 
boro'— Whitefield— First  Sidney— Litchfield— Hebron— First  Buckfield 
— Paris — Lewiston — Readfield — Fayette — Miscongus  Isle  and  Bristol — 
First  Livermore — First  Nobleboro' — Greene — Wayne — Webster — Hope 
— New  Gloucester — Clinton — 2d  China — Farmington — Second  Litchfield 
— Wales — Jay — Mt.  Vernon — Brunswick — Leeds — Woolwich — Friend- 
ship— Warren — Portland — First  China — Swanville — Second  Buckfield — 
New  Sharon — Canaan — Islesboro' — Vinalhaven— -Jefferson  and  Lancas- 
ter— Sumner— Bethel,  -  105 

CHAPTER  XI. 

History  of  the  Bowdoinham  Association  from  1790  to  the  formation  of  the 
Lincoln  Association  in  1804 — Extensive  revivals  in  1798  and  1799 — the 
Lord's  Supper  administered  at  the  Association  in  '98 — an  Ordination  in 
'99 — success  of  the  '  Gospel  Mission' — Dr.  Baldwin  present,  and  Ordina- 
tion of  Mr.  Titcomb  in  1801— Revision  of  Articles  of  Faith  in  1802,  192 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Churches  which  united  with  the  Bowdoinham  Association  during  the  seven 
years,  between  the  formation  of  the  Lincoln  Association  in  1804,  and  the 
formation  of  the  Cumberland  Association  in  1811  :  Second  Sidney — Se- 
cond Bowdoin — Belgrade — Norway — Hallowell — Minot  (now  Auburn) — 
Freeport — Second  Lisbon  (now  first  in  Webster) — Perjepscott  (now 
Danville,) — Cornville — Harmony — Denmark  —  Weld — Sangerville  — 
Bridgton — Hartford — Monmouth — Palmyra — New  Portland,  200 

CHAPTER  XIII, 

Churches  added  to  the  Bowdoinham  Association  since  1811 — Third  Church 
Livermore — Second  Canaan,  (now  Skowhegan) — Moscow — Philips — 
Second  Mt.  Vernon,  a  temporary  church — Topsham — First  Church  Gar- 
diner— Guilford — Watervillc — Parkman— Brighton, a  temporary  church- 
Canaan,  formerly  Canaan  Second — Norridgework — Athens — Gardiner 
Second  Church — Anson — Second  Bowdoinliam — EastDixfield — Ripley — 
Corinna — Winthrop— Newport — Monmouth — Norritl^ewock — Madison — 
Hallowell — Third  Gardiner — South  Bowdoin — East  Monmoutli — Pittston 
— Monmouth  Centre — Second  Lilchfield — Second  Leeds,  -  -  222 

CHAPTER  XIV.       . 

Bowdoinham  Association  from  1804  to  1843,        ....  244 

CHAPTER  XV. 


JTER  XV. 

hurches  have  been  given,  Thomaston,  p. 
stown,  p.  114;  Miscongus  I=le,  p.  13o; 
>  no.  II..,,.,  „  I/IK.  u«.i — _  -  ic/» 


.  cueiiuu  auu  ucavci   Jim  .   A'IIM  oeugwu.fi  ,    iruiiv«  liuw    rviio.x  j   i   oiumnm  , 

First  Bluehill ;  Northport,  a  temporary  Church ;  First  Montville ;  Carmel; 
Surry  ;  First  Jefferson  ;  Second  Jefferson  ;  Matinicus  ;  Deer  Island  } 
Stetson,  a  temporary  'Church  ;  Camden,  First  and  Second  Church  ;  Union, 
first  called  Second  Hope;  Second  Palermo;  First  Belfast;  Dixmont ; 
Cherryfield ;  Steuben ;  First  Trenton;  Sullivan;  Charleston;  Belmont; 
Castine ;  Freedom ;  Second  Montville ;  Isle  an  Haul ;  Second  Thomaston  ; 


CONTENTS.  XI 

Second  Sedgwick  ;  Brooksville;  Second  Brooksville;  Mount  Desert: 
Monroe ;  Appleton ;  Second  St  George ;  Eden  ;  Prospect ;  Second 
Nohleboro' ;  Bangor;  Windsor;  New  Castle  and  Alna;  Waldo;  Dover; 
Wiscasset ;  Corinth ;  Waldoboro' ;  Alkinsou  and  Milton ;  Third  Jefferson  ; 
Searsmont ;  Third  Whitefield ;  North  Whitefield ;  Richmond ;  Patrick- 
town  Plantation  ;  Washington ;  Third  Nobleboro' ;  First  West  Thom- 
astou;  Damariscotta  Mills ;  Cushing;  SdCamden;  3d  St.  George,  262 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Lincoln  Association,  organized  in  1805.  After  13  years  it  gave  rise  to  Eas- 
tern Maine  in  1818 ;  and  in  7  years  more  to  the  Penobscot  in  1825 ;  and 
17  years  later  to  the  Damariscotta,  in  1842,  ...  325 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Eastern  Maine  Association.  Whole  period  of  its  existence  16  years  from 
1818  to  1834  ;  then  yielded  its  name  to  two  Associations,  one  to  be  called 
Hancock,  the  other  Washington,  -  -  -  -  .  -  335 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Churches  added  to  the  Eastern  Maine  Association  between  1818  and  1834. 
Eastport ;  Gouldsboro' ;  Deer  Isle  ;  Columbia  and  Addison  ;  Penobscot ; 
Swan  Island  ;  Jonesboro'  and  Addison  ;  Lubec ;  Mariaville ;  Cutler ; 
2d  Sullivan  ;  Hancock ;  Franklin ;  Addison  ;  2d  Bluehill ;  2d  Sedgwick  ; 
Ellsworth ;  Dennysville ;  Charleston  ;  Cooper ;  2d  Mariaville ;  Calais  ; 
Harrington ;  Branch  Pond ;  Reed's  Brook,  and  East  Machias.  337 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Hancock  Association.  Original  Churches — Eden,  p.  309 ;  First  Sedgwick, 
263 ;  Bluehill,  272  ;  Surry,  278 ;  Deer  Isle,  282 ;  Isle  au  Haul,  302 ;  Tren- 
ton, 296  ;  Sullivan,  297;  Orland  and  Bucksport,  285;  Brooksville,  305 ; 
Mt.  Desert,  305;  Gouldshoro',  340 ;  Penobscot,  342  ;  Swan  Island,  343 ; 
Amherst,  346;  Hancock,  348 ;  Franklin.  348;  Second  Bluehill,  351; 
Second  Sedgwick,  304 ;  Ellsworth,  351 ;  Mariaville,  354 ;  Branch  Pond, 
358  ;  Reed's  Brook,  358. 

Churches  added  between  1835  and  1843 — Village  church  Ellsworth;  Little 
Deer  Isle ;  West  Trenton  ;  North  Penobscot ;  Second  Hancock ;  North 
Sedgwick ;  Long  Island ;  Aurora,  ......  360 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Washington  Association.  Original  Churches — Columbia,  269;  Cherryfield, 
294 ;  Eastport,  337 ;  Steuben,  295 ;  Machias-port,  340  ;  Jonesboro'  and 
Addison,  344;  Lubec,  345;  Cutler,  347  ;  Crawford,  351  ;  Addison,  350; 
Cooper,  354 ;  Pembroke,  352 ;  Harrington,  357  ;  East  Machias,  358 ;  Ca- 
lais, 344 ;  Charlotte,  353, 

Churches  added  between  1835  and  1843 — Hodgdon  ;  Eastern  Calais ;  Bar- 
ing ;  Beddington ;  Jonesboro' ;  Topsfield ;  Amity  and  Orient ;  Calais 
Village ;  Second  Lubec  ;  Houlton ;  Second  Harrington  ;  East  Harring- 
ton; Hodgdon  and  Richmond,  N.  B.  -  '  -  -  366 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Penobscot  Association.  Original  Churches — Harmony,  p.  212;  Sanger- 
ville,  215;  Guilford,  227;  Parkman,  231;  Athens,  233;  Ripley,  now 
Cambridge,  237;  Corinna,  238  ;  Carmel,  277;  Hainpden,  291 ;  Dixmont, 
293;  Charleston,  299  ;  Dover,  315;  Corinth,  316. 

Added  at  their  first  session  from  Bowdoinham  Association — Frankfort,  286 ; 
N.  Hill,  232;  Bangor,  31 1  ;Munroe,  307;  Palmyra,  219  ;  Newport,  240. 

Added  between  1826  and  1843— Dexter;  Enfield;  Bradford}  Monson; 
Levant;  Kirkland  and  No.  8,  temporary  churches;  Second  H/unpden  ; 
Greenfield ;  First  St.  Albans ;  Abbot;  Lincoln ;  Lee  ;  Blanchard,  a  tempo- 
rary church  ;  Plymouth ;  Foxcroft,  a  temporary  church ;  Garland ;  Pitts- 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

field ;  Athens  Village ;  Exeter ;  Old  Town  ;  Sebec  ;  Bangor  and  Glen- 
born  ;  Newburg ;  Tassadunkeag  ;  Palmyra  ;  Springfield  :  Eddington  : 
Argyle :  Newport  Village  :  North  Bangor :  Patten,  -  -  375 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Piscataqnis  Association.    Original  Churches — Parkman,  p.  231 ;  First  San- 

ferville,  215 ;  Sebec,  388 ;  Dover,  315  ;  Abbot,  382  ;  Athens  Village,  387; 
t.  Albans,  382 ;  Harmony,  212 ;  Guilford,  227 ;  Athens,  233 ;  Corinna, 
238  ;  Dexter,  376  ;  Monson,  379;  Cambridge,  237. 
From   Lincoln  Association — Atkinson  and  Milton,  318;  St.  Albans  and 

Hartland;  North-Hi  11, 232. 

Added  between  1839  and  1843 — Second  Sangerville ;  Foxcroft  and  Dover 
Village;  East  St.  Albans;  Milo;  Greenville  and  Shirley;  Second  Pal- 
myra; Hartland,  -  -  *'-  "  '.'.'.  -  -  .  393 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Waldo  Association.  Churches  whose  histories  have  been  given— First  Vas- 
salboro',  109  :  Second  Vassalboro',  112  :  First  China,  176  ;  Second  China, 
150 :  First  Palermo,  262  :  Second  Palermo,  288  :  First  Montville,  276  : 
Second  Montville,  302 ;  Freedom,  302 :  Knox,  268  :  Appleton,  307  :  Bel- 
fast, 289  :  Waldo  314:  Albion,  217:  Searsmont,  319:  Monroe,  307  : 
Frankfort.  286 :  Windsor,  313 :  Dixmont,  293 :  Swauville.  177  :  Islesboro', 
188:  Belmont,  301. 

Added  between  1828  and  1843— Winslow :  Second  Searsmont :  Second 
Belfast :  Frankfort  Village :  Unity.  -  -  '  -  -  -  -  397 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Kennebec  Association.  Churches  from  other  Associations — First  Sidney, 
p.  116;  Second  Sidney,  200;  Clinton, 149;  Industry,  151:  Farmington, 
153;  Ml  Vernon,  158 ;  New  Sharon.  178;  Bloomfield,  100;  Belgrade, 
202;  Cornville,  241;  Milburn,  223  ;  Moscow,  223  ;  Waterville,  229 ;  Ca- 
naan, 232 ;  First  Norridgewock,  233  ;  Second  Norridgewock,  241 ;  Strong, 
234  ;  Chesterville,  235;  Madison,  261  ;  Anson,  235;  New  Portland,  221. 

Added  between  1830  and  1843 — Fairfield;  Augusta  ;Starks;  A  von;  Second 
Bloomfieldj  Solon;  Oak  Hill, 401 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Cumberland  Association.  Original  Churches — East  Brunswick,  p.  99 ;  He- 
bron, 119;  First  Buckfield,  122;  Paris,  123;  First  Li  vermore,  135;  New 
Gloucester.  147 ;  Jay,  156  ;  Brunswick,  159  ;  First  Portland,  170 ;  Sec- 
ond Buckfield.  177;  North  Yarmouth,  183;  Jefferson  and  Lancaster, 
190;  Sumner,  190 ;  Bethel,  191 ;  Norway,  204  ;  Minot,  207  :  Freeport  208  : 
Danville,  210:  Denmark,  213:  Weld,  214:  Bridgton  217  :  Hartford,  218. 

Added  between  1811  and  1843 — Bath :  Second  Livermore :  Waterford  : 
Scarboro' :  Peru  :  Cape  Elizabeth  :  Byron :  Canton  :  Turner  :  Poland  : 
Oxford:  Harrison:  Hamlin'y  Gore :  Woodstock  :  Village  Church  Bruns- 
wick :  Chebeague  Island :  Free  Street  Portland  :  Harpswell :  Durham  : 
Main  St.  Brunswick,  -  - 406 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Oxford  Association.    Original   Churches — Hebron,   119:  First  Buckfield, 
122:  Paris,  123:   First  Livermore,  135:  Second  Buckfield,  177:  Sum- 
ner,  190:    Bethel,  191:    Norway,  204:    Denmark,  213:    Weld,  214: 
Bridgton,  217  :  Hartford,  218  :  Second  Livermore,  409 :  Peru,  412  :  By- 
ron, 413:  Canton,  413:  Turner,  413:  Harrison.  416  :   Hamlin's  Gore, 
416  :  Woodstock,  416. 

Added  between  1828  and  1843— Paris  and  Woodstock  :  Second  Brunswick  : 

Second  Bath  :  Sweden  :  Andover :   Rumford  :  Rumford  and  Milton,    420 

General  Operations,       - ....  .  .  .         424 

Dictionary  of  Ministers,  .....     433 

Statistics,         -  -  -  -  .  -  -  -     461 


HISTORY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

TLe  shores  of  Maine  discovered  by  Pring  1603 — a  temporary  English  set- 
tlement at  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec  1607 — a  temporary  French  Catholic 
settlement  the  same  year  at  Mt.  l>esert — first  permanent  settlement  at 
Saco  1623 — the  first  settlers  Episcopalians — Maine,  on  account  of  her 
religious  tenets,  not  admitted  to  the  confederacy  of  die  other  New-Eng- 
land Colonies — Massachusetts  obtains  the  jurisdiction,  first  west  of  Saco 
river,  and  then  over  the  whole  province — and  with  her  civil  power  grad- 
ually extends  her  religious  influence. 

PREVIOUS  to  1602,  the  territory  of  Maine  was  unknown 
to  civilized  man.  Savages  and  wild  beasts  were  its  sole 
and  natural  occupants.  Bartholomew  Gosnold,  an  English 
navigator,  and  one  of  those  bold  adventurers,  trained  to  the 
career  of  discovery  by  the  exertionsof  Sir  Walter  Raleigh, 
conceived  the  idea  of  a  shorter  route  across  the  Atlantic, 
than  by  the  Canary  or  West  India  Islands.*  Encouraged 
by  Raleigh,  he  attempted  to  make  the  discovery  in  1602  ; 
and  supposed  that  in  May  he  saw  some  of  the  islands  and 
points  of  land  along  the  coast  of  Maine.  But  it  was  soon 
discovered  that  Gosnold  was  mistaken,  from  the  fact  that 
the  places  which  he  saw,  were  in  a  much  higher  latitude 
than  he  had  given  to  them.t  His  reports  of  these  places, 
and  the  valuable  cargo  of  furs  and  sasafras  which  he  pro- 
cured during  his  voyage,  gained  for  him,  however,  much 
honor  and  respect,  and  awakened  a  spirit  of  commercial 
enterprise  in  England.  But  the  honor  of  discovering  these 
shores  belongs  to  Martin  Pring.| 

•Williamson's  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  184.  fp.  185.  fp.  185,  and  Bancroft's 
bis.  of  Auier.  TO).  1,  p.  114. 

2 


J4  CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607— I7G7. 

Moved  by  commercial  interests,  and  encouraged  by  Ra- 
leigh and  others,  several  merchants  of  Bristol,  Eng.,  fitted 
out  the  small  ship  "  Speedwell,"  of  56  tons,  with  trinkets 
and  merchandize  suited  to  a  traffic  with  the  natives  ;  and 
Mr,  Pring  was  appointed  the  principal  agent.  This  expe- 
dition was  commenced  April  30,  1603,  a  few  days  after  the 
death  of  Queen  Elizabeth ;  and  on  the  7th  of  June  they 
found  themselves  in  the  waters  of  Penobseot  Bay.*  Inte- 
rested to  astonishment  with  the  lofty  appearance  of  the 
forests  and  high  lands,  and  cheered  with  success  in  their 
undertaking,  the  expedition  was  continued  till  most  of  the 
islands  and  the  principal  bays  and  inlets  along  the  whole 
coast  of  Maine  were  visited,t 

This  voyage  was  most  successful,  and  the  reports  of  it 
awakened  a  more  general  interest  for  the  new  country,  both 
in  England  and  in  France.  They  became  at  once  delighted 
with  an  imaginary  view  of  these  extensive  dominions,  and 
each  resolved  on  possession ;  consequently  from  this  time, 
like  expeditions  and  for  similar  purposes  were  annually 
made  to  these  shores.  To  secure  a  prior  claim  to  these 
dominions  was  now  an  object  with  both  these  rival  nations.^ 

In  the  spring  of  1605,  prompted  by  the  Earl  of  South- 
ampton and  Lord  Arundel,  Geo.Weymouth  was  despatched 
from  England  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  this  territory, 
and  of  establishing  a  claim  to  its  advantages.  On  the  llth 
of  May  he  was  among  the  islands  along  the  shores  of  Maine, 
and  remained  here  several  weeks,  mostly  in  Penobseot  Bay. 
He  and  his  comrades  made  frequent  excursions  on  shore, 
and  were  not  a  little  amused  with  the  novel  and  picturesque 
scenery.  At  a  point  of  land  near  Belfast,  the  ultimate  end 
of  their  route,  Weymouth  erected  the  cross  as  the  lawful 
sign  of  possession.  Subsequently  the  right  of  possession  to 

*Wms.  his.  vol.  1.  p.  185.  and  Ban.  his.  vol.  1,  p.  111.  tWois.  his.  Me. 
vol.  1,  pp.  184, 185.  JWros.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  185. 


CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767.  15 

other  portions  of  the  territory  was  claimed  by  other  associ- 
ations, their  title  being  established  in  like  manner.  The 
lines  marking  the  territory  claimed  by  each  not  being  ac- 
curately defined,  and  titles  to  the  same  territory  being  often 
granted  to  different  persons  or  communities,  many  fiery 
disputes,  many  labored  and  bloody  contentions  about  rights 
of  possession,  arose  among  these  claimants.*  The  first 
settlement  attempted  on  these  shores,  was  commenced  by 
an  association  of  English  planters,  1607.  They  colonized 
on  the  extreme  western  point  of  land  at  the  mouth  of  Ken- 
nebec  river,  and  called  it  the  "  Sagadahock  Colony."  But 
the  death  of  Capt.  Geo.  Popham,  their  president,  together 
with  other  disappointments,  caused  a  total  abandonment  of 
the  undertaking  in  1608.t  During  this  year  another  settle- 
ment was  commenced  by  two  French  Jesuits,  "  Bairde  and 
Masse,"  on  Mt.  Desert  island.  This  opened  the  way  for 
the  introduction  of  a  French  colony.  The  magistrates  of 
Virginia  regarding  these  French  and  Catholic  settlers  as 
intruders  upon  their  chartered  rights,  sent  Capt.  Argal,  in 
1613,  with  an  armed  posse,  who  expelled  these  settlers  from 
the  island,  destroyed  their  rude  habitations,  broke  down 
their  cross,  and  erected  another  in  the  name  of  their  king. 
Thus  ended  this  Jesuitical  colony  on  the  shores  of  Maine.J 
Between  the  years  1607  and  1620,  several  attempts  were 
made  to  establish  permanent  colonies  within  the  new  Prov- 
ince ;  but  hostilities  among  the  natives,  in  1615  and '16, 
and  a  severe  pestilence  in  1617  and  '18,  rendered  the  pur- 
pose of  every  adventurer  abortive.  No  permanent  settle- 
ment was  therefore  gained  till  1620. 

After  the  reorganization  of  the  "  Northern,"  or  "  Ply- 
mouth" company  in  1620,  a  new  era  opened  more  favorable 
to  the  settlement  of  this  then  unbroken  but  inviting  count- 

*Wms.  his.  vol.  l,p.  191,  and  Ban.  his.  Amer.  vol.  1,  p.  114.  fWms.his. 
Me.,  vol.  1,  pp.  198,  201,  216.  JWms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  209. 


IQ  CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767. 

ry.  This  company  obtained  a  new  charter  from  king 
James,  embracing  the  territory  lying  between  the  40th  and 
48th  degree  of  N.  lat.,  including  the  country  from  Phila- 
delphia to  the  Bay  of  Chaleurs.  Previous  to  this  time  the 
English  had  occupied  the  territory  west  of  the  Kennebec, 
and  the  French  east  of  that  river,  with  the  exception  of  some 
interruption.  But  now  it  was  recognized  by  this  charter 
as  the  sole  possession  of  English  subjects.* 

In  1622,  Sir  Ferdinand  Gorges  and  Capt.  John  Mason, 
obtained  of  the  Plymouth  Council,  a  patent  to  all  the  count- 
ry between  the  Merrimack  river  N.  H.,  and  Kennebec  river 
Me.,  and  called  it  the  "  Province  of  Livonia."  By  Gorges, 
Mason,  and  their  associates  was  the  first  permanent  settle- 
ment commenced  within  the  limits  of  Maine,  and  on  the 
island  Monhegan,t  a  suitable  place  for  trading  and  fishing. 
In  1623,  the  first  permanent  settlement  on  the  main  land 
was  commenced  at  the  mouth  of  Saco  river!  (now  Saco  and 
Biddeford).  In  1630,  John  Oldham  and  Richard  Vines, 
were  made  patentees  to  a  small  tract  of  land  lying  on  either 
side,  and  at  the  mouth  of  this  river,  and  immediately  enter- 
ed upon  possession.^ 

About  this  time,  attracted  by  the  advantages  of  traffic 
with  the  natives  and  other  inviting  circumstances  of  the 
country,  emigration  to  the  shores  began  to  be  rapid,  and  as 
a  consequence,  the  forests  about  the  Kennebec,  Sheepscot, 
Damariscotta,  Pemaquid,  and  St.  George  rivers  began  to 
give  way  before  the  industry  of  the  white  man.||  Openings 
in  the  wilderness  then  appeared,  where  now  are  spread 
out  the  fruitful  fields,  or  grows  the  flourishing  village,  or 
stands  the  imposing  city.  Notwithstanding  the  disadvan- 
tages peculiar  to  the  settlement  of  a  new  country,  the  work 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  221— Willis,  his.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  10.  fWillis' 
his.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  12.  t\Vms.  his.  Me.  vol.1,  p.  226— Willis' his.  Port.  vol. 
1.  p.  16.  §Wms.  his.  Me.  v.  1,  p.  226— Ban.  his.  Am.  v.l,  p.  330— Willis' 
his.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  16.  ||Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  228. 


CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767.  17 

went  on  vigorously  for  several  years.  Trading-houses  were 
erected  in  several  favorable  positions,  and  the  abundant 
fruits  of  a  rich  soil  cheered  the  heart  of  the  bold  adventur- 
er. Settlements  were  now  commenced  at  Boothbay, 
Woolwich,  Kitlery-Point,  Elliot  and  Berwick.* 

Emigration  soon  however  received  a  serious  check. 
Expenses  and  disappointments,  the  direct  results  of  contin- 
ued contention  and  disputes  about  titles  and  claims,  Teiled 
the  new  settlers  in  a  gloom  of  discouragement.  The  con- 
stant changing  of  titles  caused  a  continued  changing  of 
residence  by  occupants.  The  distance  between  the  settle- 
ments, the  difficulties  of  intercourse,  together  with  these 
ruinous  agitations  among  claimants,  tended  seriously  to  in- 
terrupt the  progress  of  society  in  order,  morals  and  religion. 

The  wars  about  claims  ended  in  1675,  and  Massachusetts 
was  recognized  as  sole  owner  of  the  Province.  This  peace- 
ful state  of  things  is  accredited  to  the  wisdom  and  influence 
of  the  Hon.  John  Usher,  by  whose  advice  Massachusetts 
purchased  all  the  title  which  Gorges  held  to  the  Province, 
for  1250  Ibs.  sterling.t  At  this  time  the  population  did  not 
exceed  60004  As  regards  the  general  character  of  the 
people  throughout  the  Province  in  the  first  stages  of  its 
history,  it  was  loose  and  immoral. §  Many  attempts  were 
made  to  check  the  increase  at  least  of  so  loose,  so  reckless, 
so  licentious  an  influence  as  was  then  too  prevalent.  These 
efforts  however,  did  but  little  more  than  to  check  that 
increase ;  for  religion  was  confined  to  the  few,  while  the 
many  were  lawless  and  wicked. 

The  first  organized  form  of  government  in  Maine,  was 
established  by  Sir  F.  Gorges  in  1636,  who  obtained  abso- 
lute possession  of  the  territory  west  of  Pemaquid  (Noble- 
borough)  in  1635.  The  French  claimed  at  this  time  the 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  237.  fWms.his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  554.  JVol.  1, 
p.  654.  ^Willis'  his.  Port  v.  1,  pp.  97, 123. 

2* 


18  CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767. 

Penobscot  and  the  country  eastward.  They  held,  however 
only  a  disputed  right  of  possession.  Sir  F.  Gorges  appoint- 
ed his  nephew,  Wm.  Gorges,  governor,  with  jurisdictional 
powers  to  administer  justice,  and  to  punish  all  criminals 
within  his  territorial  limits.  By  him  was  raised  the  first 
court  of  justice,  or  of  legislation,  which  was  convened  at 
Saco,  in  1636.  There  were  at  this  time,  nine  settlements 
or  plantations,  and  the  best  estimate  numbered  a  population 
of  1500  souls,  under  his  authority.*  The  government  of 
Gorges  assumed  an  ecclesiastical  character.  It  embosomed 
the  Episcopal  faith.  The  king  of  England,  in  order  to  aid 
Gorges  in  his  endeavors  to  establish  and  perpetuate  the 
forms  of  Episcopacy  in  the  new  Province,  issued  his  decree 
that  none  should  leave  the  shores  of  England,  for  these 
new  settlements,  until  they  had  taken  the  oath  of  suprem- 
acy and  allegiance  to  the  crown,  and  pledged  themselves  to 
observe  strictly  the  rules  of  Episcopal  disciplined  The 
people  of  this  Province,  therefore,  were  mostly  of  that  faith, 
and  practiced  the  usages  of  the  mother  church.  As  a  con- 
sequence, the  affairs  of  religion  were  blended  with  the 
affairs  of  state. 

The  first  religious  communion  was  organized  on  Hog- 
island  in  16394  A  meeting-house  was  erected,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Hull  became  the  officiating  minister.  Gorges  was  a 
firm  Episcopalian  and  royalist,  and  a  zealous  friend  to  the 
king.§  In  1639,  his  title  to  the  territory  which  he  claimed 
was  confirmed  by  the  king.  The  powers  of  government 
conferred  upon  Gorges,  were  almost  absolute ;||  and  the 
forms  of  legislation  and  powers  of  the  executive  were  ex- 
plicitly defined.fi  At  the  first  session  of  the  court  convened 
under  this  new  charter,  at  Saco  1640,  an  order  was  passed 
that  all  the  inhabitants,  who  have  any  children  unbaptized, 

*Wms.  Me.  vol.  1,  ch.  5— Willis'  bis.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  46.    fWms.  his.  Me. 
vol.  1,  p.  268.    JWms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  277.      AWillis'  his.  Port.  vol.  1.  p. 
48.    jfWms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  286—  Willis'  his.  Port.  v.  1 .  p.  45.     fl  Wins, 
is.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  286. 


CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767.  19 

should  have  them  baptized  as  soon  as  any  minister  is  set- 
tled in  any  of  their  plantations,*  This  order  was  enforced 
by  punishment,  if  any  refused.t  This  was  laying  the  foun- 
dation strong  for  an  Episcopal(a  half  Roman)  a  half  political 
church  in  Maine ;  but  the  Lord  Ood  had  better  things  for 
this  new  world. 

The  government  established  by  Gorges  was  sustained, 
with  some  alterations  and  amendments,  for  several  years  ; 
and  the  dominant  religious  influence  was  decidedly  Episco- 
palian. Previous  to  1653,  several  towns  west  of  Saco 
river  were  brought  under  the  government  and  religious 
influence  of  Massachusetts.  But  east  of  that  river,  *'  the 
most  influential  men,"  says  Mr.  Willis,  "  were  decidedly 
Episcopalian  in  their  form  of  worship,  and  looked  with 
dread  upon  the  uncompromising,"  and  we  may  add,  the 
intolerant  "  spirit  of  the  Puritan  government  of  Massachu- 
setts."!  The  religious  feelings  in  Maine  therefore  were 
viewed  with  distrust  by  the  people  of  the  other  colonies. 
Nor  were  they  slow  to  express  their  abhorence  of  Episco- 
pacy. The  other  colonies  in  New  England,  Massachusetts, 
Plymouth,  Connecticut  and  New  Haven,  had,  for  mutual 
assistance  and  defence,  united  in  a  civil  and  religious  con- 
federacy. Maine  was  refused  the  privilege  of  uniting  with 
them,  because  of  her  religious  tenets.  § 

Massachusetts  having  obtained  jurisdiction  over  the  ter- 
ritory west  of  Saco  river,  continued  her  exertions  to  extend 
^  it  over  other  parts  of  the  Province.  Butshewas  vigorously 
resisted. ||  To  the  religious  intolerance  practiced  in  Mas- 
sachusetts under  the  authority  of  the  "  Cambridge  Plat- 
form" against  the  Jesuits,  Quakers  and  Baptists,  the  people 
of  Maine  were  resolved  not  to  submit. fl  "  What,"  said 
they,  "  have  we  to  do  with  projects  of  political  ambition, 

*  Willis'  his.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  43— Y.  records— Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.1,  p.  286. 
tp.  286.  \ Willis'  his.  Port.  vol.  I ,  p.  57.  §Wms.  his  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  297. 
{J  WUlis'  bis.  P.  vol.  1,  p.  57.  TT  Wms.  his  Me.  vol.  1 ,  p.  379. 


20  CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767, 

or  with  the  weapons  forged  against  heresy.  Notwithstand- 
ing their  passion  for  Episcopacy,  they  had  more  rational 
ideas  of  liberty  than  the  Puritans,  and  were  more  friendly 
to  religious  tolerance. 

As  soon  as  Massachusetts  obtained  the  acknowledged 
right  of  possession  to  the  Province,  she  commenced  the 
exercise  of  her  judicial  powers.  The  governor  of  Massa- 
chusetts, with  a  board  of  colonial  assistants,  had  the  over- 
sight and  management  of  affairs  in  Maine.  This  board, 
or  standing  council,  of  eight  persons,  were  to  be  without 
exception,  of  Congregational  faith.  All  other  sects  were 
at  once  excluded  from  any  participation  in  government. 
This  caused  much  uneasiness  and  bitter  complaining 
among  the  royalists  and  Episcopalians.  They  made  known 
their  grievances  to  the  court  of  England,  yet  they  obtained 
only  a  prevention  of  persecution  and  a  partial  toleration. 
All  other  sects  remained  unprotected  by  legislation.  The 
change  of  government  as  made  by  the  Province  Council, 
did  not  relieve  the  disadvantages  of  other  religious  com- 
munions. By  means  of  their  authority  and  influence,  and 
from  the  results  of  emigration  from  the  other  colonies,  the 
religious  character  and  faith  of  Maine,  assumed  gradually 
more  and  more  of  the  Congregational  form.* 

Mr.  Bancroftt  attempts  ah  apology  for  the  spirit  mani- 
fested by  the  Puritans.  He  says,  "  The  spirit  of  the 
Pilgrims  was  truly  Catholic.  Christianity  was  their  life — 
and  the  religious  union  of  these  exiles  was  the  rock  on 
which  rested  the  stability  of  church  and  state.  Hence 
they  welcomed  none  but  those  who  were  truly  of  a  Presby- 
terian faith.  The  orders  of  church  and  state,  were  with 
them  exclusive,  for  they  had  come  to  the  outside  of  the 
world  to  live  by  themselves."  But  can  this  circumstance 
justify  their  course?  Did  they  not  claim  for  themselves 
*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  558.  fBan.  his.  Am.  vol.  1,  p.  366. 


CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767.  $\ 

what  they  were  unwilling  to  award  to  others  ?  They  had 
fled  from  a  religious  intolerance,  which  they  regarded  as  un- 
just and  unchristian.  Why  then  do  they  do  to  others  what 
they  were  unwilling  should  be  done  to  themselves  ? 

It  is  not  certain  that  any  of  the  Pilgrims  who  first  landed 
on  these  shores  were  Baptists,*  It  is  believed,  however, 
that  soon  after  the  organization  of  the  Massachusetts  Col- 
ony, there  were  persons  there  who  embraced  their  senti- 
ments. But  a  few  years  had  elapsed  before  Baptists  began 
to  appear  publicly  in  different  parts  of  the  colony.  But  all 
religious  intercourse  with  them  was  seriously  objected  to 
by  the  Presbyterian  establishment.  For  a  while,  this 
checked  the  progress  of  their  faith ;  but  the  fire  of  holy 
love  to  Christ  was  not  always  to  be  concealed  beneath  a 
crushing  religious  arrogance.  The  first  attempt  to  unite 
in  organized  operation  in  Massachusetts,  was  made  at  Wey- 
mouth  1639.t  A  Baptist  church  was  constituted.  But 
the  building  was  soon  overthrown,  and  its  principal  erectors 
suffered  the  penalties  of  provincial  laws.  The  powers 
against  them  were  consolidated  into  a  civil  and  ecclesiasti- 
cal oppression.  The  principles  of  church  and  state  were 
so  blended  in  the  colonial  government,  as  to  give  to  the 
Congregational  clergy  all  but  supremacy  in  power.  None 
were  admitted  to  the  ballot-box,  but  church  members  of 
that  faith,  and  none  could  find  admission  into  the  church, 
but  by  the  consent  of  the  ministers ;  so  that  the  keys  of  leg- 
islation were  almost  entirely  in  their  hands.J  It  soon  be- 
came a  law  in  Massachusetts,  that  every  person  in  parishes 
who  did  not  voluntarily  subscribe  to  the  support  of  the 
established  ministry,  should  pay  his  due  proportion  of  such 
needful  expense.^  Although  this  law  was  much  opposed, 
it  prevailed  with  some  partial  amendments  and  alterations, 

"Bach,  his.  Bap.  vol.  1,  p.  56.    fBen.  vol.  1,  p.  656.    JBach.  vol.  1,  p.  63. 
§Bach.  vol.  1,  P.  100. 


22  CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767. 

till  general  intelligence,  a  love  of  religious  freedom,  and  a 
more  pure  spirit  of  the  gospel,  severed  from  civil  authority 
this  ecclesiastical  power,  and  thereby  withered  the  right 
arm  of  clerical  oppression.  This  however  was  the  work  of 
many  years,  during  which,  many  trials  were  the  experience 
of  the  different  religious  communities  in  Massachusetts 
and  in  Maine. 

Roger  Williams  "was  the  first  person,"  says  an  Ameri- 
can historian,  "  in  modern  Christendom  to  assert  in  its 
plenitude  the  doctrine  of  liberty  of  conscience."*  The 
relation  that  Mr.  Williams  held  to  the  Baptists,  and  the 
place  to  which  the  friends  of  freedom  have  elevated  his 
name  in  the  annals  of  history,  forbid  that  he  should  be 
passed  over  in  silence  in  this  place. 

Roger  Williams  was  born  in  Wales  in  1598.  He  was 
an  educated  lawyer,  but  that  employment  being  disagreea- 
ble to  him,  he  turned  his  attention  to  divinity.  As  a 
preacher,  he  was  highly  esteemed  in  his  native  country.  He 
crossed  the  atl antic  in  February  1631  .t  New  England 
now  became  the  scene  of  his  ministerial  operations.  On 
account  of  his  sentiments  as  a  Baptist,  and  his  doctrine  of 
liberty  of  conscience,  he  suffered  much  persecution  in  the 
early  part  of  his  career  in  America.  And  yet,  says  Gov. 
Hopkins,  "  R.  Williams  justly  claims  the  honor  of  being 
the  first  legislator  in  the  world."!  His  doctrine  was  that 
"  the  civil  magistrate  should  restrain  crime,  but  never  con- 
trol opinion ;  should  punish  guilt,  but  never  violate  the 
freedom  of  conscience."  He  was  an  enemy  of  all  intole- 
rance, and  when  he  became  a  Baptist,  his  actions  illustrated 
his  doctrine.^  This  new  doctrine  of  Williams  brought 
him  into  collision  both  with  the  government  and  clergy  of 
Massachusetts ;  and  was  the  occasion  of  persecution,  pro- 

*Ban.  his.  Amer.  vol.  1,  p.  375.  t  Davis,  his,  Welch  Bap.  p.  32.  JD.  his. 
W.  13.  p.  33.  §Ban.  his.  vol.  1,  p.  366. 


CIVIL  CONDITION  OF  MAINE,  1607—1767.  33 

Bcription  and  banishment  to  himself  and  his  adherents. 
The  controversy  between  the  friends  of  a  more  liberal  pol- 
icy and  the  Puritan  clergy,  was  conducted  with  impassioned 
zeal.     Questions  of  the  nicest  subtilty  respecting  the  free- 
dom of  conscience  and  abstract  truths  in  theology,  were 
agitated  with  enthusiasm.     Arrogance,  pride,  the  vagaries 
of  imagination,  and  speculative  extravagancies  led  ultimate- 
ly to  the  formation  of  two  parties.     To  prevent  the  danger- 
ous results  of  this  controversy,  and  the  increase  of  faction 
as  anticipated  by  the  clergy,  a  law  was  enacted,  somewhat 
like  the  alien  law  of  England.     None  should  be  admitted 
within  the  jurisdiction,  but  such  as  should  be  allowed  by  a 
magistrate.     And  it  should  be  remembered  that  the  magis- 
trates were  mostly  clergymen,  or  others  who  favored  the 
Puritan  policy.     But  this  did  not  put  the  spirit  of  toleration 
into  a  final  sleep.     The  principles  of  liberty  were  alive  in 
the  soul,  and  ever  diffusing  their  beneficent  influences,  so 
that  an  enlightened  toleration  gained  the  faith  and  affections 
of  many.*     At  length  the  spirit  of  intolerance  was  again 
revived,  and  a  law  was  now  passed,  which  required  every 
person  under  penalty  to  attend  regularly  the  established 
forms  of  worship.     Nor  was  this  spirit  of  religious  oppres- 
sion, and  its  withering  influence  confined  toMassachuoetts. 
It  went  where  her  power  could  be  sustained.     Still  from  the 
days  of  Roger  Williams,  Baptists  have  multiplied,  till  they 
have  become  a  large,  respectable  and  strong  nation  in  the 
"  Old  Bay  State." 
*Ban.  his.  Am.  vol.  1,  ch.  9— vol.  2,  ch.  12. 


34  BAPTISTS  IN  SECOND  PERIOD  OF 

•'':       \          •      »  '     ••          ! 

CHAPTER  II. 

First  manifestation  of  Baptist  sentiments  in  Maine  fifty-eight  years  after  the 
first  settlement  at  Saco — Character  and  ministry  of  Mr.  Screven — the  first 
church  at  Kiltery — the  feelings  of  the  people  toward  Baptists — the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Government— Mr.  Screven  forbidden  to  preach — Mr.  S. 
and  his  principal  adherants  driven  from  the  Province — no  other  Baptist 
church  gathered  for  a  period  of  eighty-five  years — changes  in  civil  laws. 

BAPTIST  sentiments  first  appeared  in  Maine  1681.*  At 
this  time  there  was  peace  and  prosperity  in  the  Province. 
The  war-whoop  was  not  heard;  disputation  and  wrangling 
about  claims  and  titles  were  at  an  end ;  and  Massachusetts 
and  Maine  moved  under  the  same  forms  of  government. 
Massachusetts  had  spread  over  the  Province,  not  only  her 
laws,  but  her  spirit  of  religious  intolerance.  This  spirit  had 
already  erected  its  battlements  against  the  '  wild  fanaticism' 
of  all  sects  who  did  not  bow  to  its  authority. 

Kittery,t  the  oldest  town  in  the  Province,  incorporated 
1647,  was  selected  as  the  place  first  to  raise  a  Baptist 
standard.  The  first  avowal  of  Baptist  sentiments  tested 
the  spirit  of  charity  in  other  sects.  As  in  Massachusetts, 
so  in  Maine,  the  Congregationalists  were  recognized  by 
law  as  the  '  Standing  Order.'  They  viewed  the  Baptists  in 
the  light  of  religious  fanatics,  and  regarded  their  doctrines 
and  influence  as  deleterious  to  the  welfare  of  both  society 
and  religion.} 

It  was  soon  known  that  in  Kittery  there  were  several 
persons  professing  to  be  Baptists.  From  whence  they 
came  is  now  unknown.  In  the  course  of  events  an  oppor- 
tunity offered  to  them  the  privileges  of  church  communion 
agreeable  to  their  own  theological  views.  The  nearest 
Baptist  church  was  at  Boston,  Mass.,  over  which  Rev.  Isaac 
Hull  then  presided.^  At  the  advice  of  Mr.  Hull,  these 
Baptists  in  Kittery  united  with  his  church. 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  668.  fVol.  1,  p.  303.  *Ben.  vol.  I,  pp.  364, 
381.  §Vol.  1,  p.  309. 


MAINE  HISTORY,  85  YEARS  FROM  1681—1766.         35 

Wm.  Screven,  an  early  emigrant  from  England,*  was 
one  of  their  number.  Being  a  man  of  more  than  common 
talents,  and  devotedly  pious,  he  officiated  as  leader  in  their 
worship.t  The  brethren  in  Kittery  and  in  Boston  were 
satisfied  that  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  had  designed 
and  called  him  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ.  He  was 
accordingly  licensed  by  the  church  in  B.  '  to  exercise  his 
gifts  in  Kittery,  or  elsewhere,  as  the  providence  of  God 
may  cast  him.'J 

The  Baptists  in  Kittery  being  now  blessed  with  a  minis- 
ter, and  situated  at  so  great  a  distance  from  Boston,  deemed 
it  expedient  for  their  own  spiritual  advantage,  and  for  the 
cause  of  Christ  in  the  new  settlements,  to  unite  in  a  separate 
church.  But  their  desire  was  at  once  disappointed  by  the 
violence  of  opposition. 

Moved  by  the  same  spiritual  despotism  which  had  dis- 
turbed the  Baptists  in  Massachusetts,  Mr.  Woodbridge,  the 
minister,  and  Mr.  Huck,  the  magistrate,  awakened  preju- 
dice and  hatred  against  these  conscientious  disciples  in 
Kittery.  Slanderous  abuses  and  legalized  tyranny  were 
now  to  be  endured  by  them.  Church  members  suffered 
not  alone  ;  but  those  who  assembled  with  them  for  worship 
were  repeatedly  summoned  before  the  magistrate,  and  by 
him  threatened  with  '  a  fine  of  five  shillings  for  every  such 
offence  in  future. '§ 

Humphrey  Churchwood,  a  man  worthy  of  respect  and 
esteem,  for  exercising  his  liberty  of  conscience,  and  encour- 
aging the  baptism  of  some  of  his  friends,  was  convented 
before  Mr.  Huck  and  Woodbridge,  to  answer  for  abuses 
against  the  established  order.  '  But  it  does  not  appear  that 
much  was  done,  but  to  revile  and  ridicule  the  Baptists. 
This  movement  however  did  not  prevent  the  baptism  of 
several  others  soon  after.' || 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  v.  1,  p.  669.    tBoston  ch.  Records,    t  Bos.  ch.  Records. 
$Bach.  his.  Bap.  vol.  1,  p.  503.    ||Rev.  J.  Tripp's  statement. 


26  BAPTISTS  IN  SECOND  PERIOD  OF 

Alarmed  at  the  success  which  attended  these  incipiant 
and  feeble  efforts  of  the  Baptists,  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Province  '  took  the  business  of  oppression  into  their 
own  hands.'  At  the  August  session  of  the  council,  1682, 
(Maj.  B.  Pendleton  was  then  Deputy  President  of  the  Pro- 
vince) Mr.  Screven  was  tried  and  placed  under  bonds  for 
good  behavior.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  records  made 
by  Edward  Bishworth  : 

"  William  Screven,  appearing  before  this  court,  and  be- 
ing convicted  of  contempt  of  his  Majesty's  authority,  and 
refusing  to  submit  himself  to  the  sentence  of  the  court 
prohibiting  his  public  preaching ;  and  upon  examination 
before  the  court,  declaring  his  resolution  still  to  persist 
therein ;  the  court  tended  him  liberty  to  return  home  to 
his  family  in  case  he  would  forbear  such  turbulent  practices, 
and  amend  for  the  future ;  but  he  refusing,  the  court  sen- 
tenced him  to  give  bonds  for  his  good  behaviour,  and  to 
forbear  such  contentious  behavior  for  the  future ;  and  the 
delinquent  stand  committed  until  the  judgment  of  this 
court  be  filed." 

"  Verai  Copia  transcribed  and  with  the  records  compar- 
ed this  17th  of  Aug.  1682.*  E.  B.  Recorder." 

Mr.  Screven,  regarding  the  precepts  and  examples  of 
Christianity  the  only  just  rules  of  conduct,  did  not  comply 
with  the  requisitions  of  this  court.  A  fine  of  ten  pounds 
was  therefore  imposed  upon  him.  He  was  moreover  threat- 
ened with  an  infliction  of  the  penalties  of  the  law  for  each 
and  every  future  offence  against  the  established  order.  This 
treatment  constituted  another  part  of  the  important  business 
of  the  same  session. 

"  This  court  having  considered  the  offensive  speeches  of 
Wm.  Screven,  viz.  his  rash  and  inconsiderate  words  tend- 
ing to  blaspheme,  do  adjudge  the  delinquent  for  his  offence 
to  pay  ten  pounds  into  the  treasury  of  the  court  or  Province. 
And  further,  the  court  doth  forbid  and  discharge  the  said 
Screven,  under  any  pretence  to  keep  any  private  exercise 
at  his  own  house,  or  elsewhere,  upon  the  Lord's  day,  either 

*Rec.  of  Prov.  Court,  Aug.  17, 1688,  as  given  by  Mr.  Bachus,  v.  l,p.  504. 


MAINE  HISTORY,  85  YEARS  FROM  1681—1766.          27 

inKittery  or  any  other  place  within  the  limits  of  this  Prov- 
ince ;  and  is  for  the  future  enjoined  to  observe  the  public 
worship  of  God  in  our  public  assemblies  upon  the  Lord's 
days  according  to  the  laws  established  in  this  Province, 
upon  such  penalties  as  the  law  requires  upon  such  neglect 
of  the  premises."* 

Neither  these  terrific  proceedings  of  a  Provincial  court, 
nor  the  slander  and  abuse  of  the  clergy  could  crush  the 
spirit  and  zeal  of  Screven,  or  prevent  the  embodiment  of  a 
Baptist  church  in  Kittery.  By  the  assistance  of  Rev.  Isaac 
Hull,  of  Boston,  the  following  persons  were  recognized, 
Sept.  1682,  as  a  church  of  Christ  in  gospel  order,  they  hav- 
ing been  previously  baptized.  '  Wm.  Screven,  minister ; 
Humphrey  Churchwood,  deacon ;  Robert  Williams,  John 
Morgandy,  Richard  Cutts,  Timothy  Davis,  Leonard  Brown, 
Wm.  Adams,  Humphrey  Azell,  George  Litter  and  several 
females.'!  Storm  and  violence,  obloquy,  fines  and  impris- 
onment were  now  experienced  by  this  little  band  of  disci- 
ples. As  the  result  of  along  cherished  and  well  organized 
religious  intolerance,  venting  itself  in  vehement  and 
impassioned  persecution,  these  humble  Christians  became 
disheartened  and  overcome.  In  less  than  one  year  from 
its  recognition,  the  church  was  dissolved,  and  the  members 
scattered  'like  sheep  upon  the  mountains.' J 

To  avoid  the  embarrassments  of  clerical  oppression  and 
further  litigations,  to  shun  the  evils  of  slander  and  calumny, 
Mr.  Screven,  accompanied  with  his  family  and  some  of  his 
suffering  brethren,  left  the  Province,  removed  to  South 
Carolina,  where  he  gathered  a  Baptist  church,  which  sub- 
sequently became  a  flourishing  society.^ 

Mr.  Screven  was  a  native  of  England,  born  1629.  Soon 
after  his  residence  in  Kittery,  he  married  Bridget  Cutts, 
and  was  with  her  blessed  with  eleven  children.' ||  His  tal- 

"Records  of  Court,  Aug.  17, 1682,  E.  Bishworth,  recorder.  fRec.  of  Bo« 
ch —Ben.  his.  Bap.  vol.  p.  309.  JBen.  his.  vol.  1,  p.  309.  JBach.  his.  vol. 
2,  p.  120.  ||VVms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1. 


28  BAPTISTS  IN  SECOND  FERIOD  OF 

ents  were  above  mediocracy.  Though  favored  with  but  a 
partial  literary  competency,  yet  a  brilliant  and  energetic 
imagination,  a  fervent  heart,  enlivened  by  the  genial  influ- 
ences of  Christianity,  wonderfully  supplied  that  literary  defi- 
ciency.* He  was  beloved  by  his  brethren  ;  his  ministrations 
were  listened  to  with  delight,  and  received  with  edification 
and  profit.!  He  was  eminent  for  devoted  piety  and  religious 
usefulness.  Mr.  Screven  died  near  Charleston,  S.  C.  at  the 
age  of  eighty-four  years,  leaving  a  respectable  posterity  to 
bear  testimony  to  his  worth.J 

From  the  commencement  of  colonization  on  the  soil  of 
Maine  till  the  termination  of  the  French  war  in  1763,§  hos- 
tilities were  maintained  with  the  exception  of  short  intervals 
by  England  against  the  French  or  Dutch,  by  the  colonies 
in  America  against  the  Indians,  or  by  different  tribes  of 
Indians  against  their  neighboring  tribes.  ||  These  hostilities 
seriously  embarrassed  the  colonies  and  checked  emigration. 
When  these  scenes  of  blood  were  ended,  and  the  noise  of 
war  was  hushed  to  silence,  the  whole  population  of  Maine 
did  not  exceed  24,000.1} 

Undoubtedly  among  this  number  there  were  some  Bap- 
tists, but  a  spirit  of  religious  oppression  was  kept  alive  by  the 
civil  authorities  and  the  clergy.  Men  differing  in  religious 
opinions  from  the  dominant  sect,  dreading  its  religious  dis- 
franchising influence,  were  slow  to  become  residents  in 
Maine.  And  those  who  might  venture  an  approach,  kept 
silence  through  fear,  or  but  privately  gave  '  a  reason  of  the 
hope'  they  cherished  in  Christ.  From  the  dissolution  of  the 
church  in  Kittery,  no  Baptists  appeared  publicly  in  Maine 
for  an  interval  of  about  eighty-five  years. 

The  attempts  to  establish  Baptist  churches  in  Massachu- 
setts at  Weymouth  and  Lynn  in  1639,  nineteen  years  after 

*Bach.|his.  Bap.  vol.  1,  pp.  602. 606.  fBach.  his.  Bap.  v.  3,  pp.  201,  202. 
{Ben.  his.  Bap.  abridged,  p.  357.  $Wms.  his.  Me.  ||Willis'  his.  Port. 
IfWms.  his.  Me. 


MAINE  HISTORY,  85  YEARS  FROM  1681—1766.         29 

the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims,  we  have  seen,  proved  unsuc- 
cessful, through  the  opposition  then  made  both  by  govern- 
ment and  people  to  Baptist  principles.*  But  this  opposition 
was  destined  to  an  ultimate  defeat.  Twenty-four  years 
later,  in  1663,  a  permanent  foundation  was  laid  for  Baptist 
principles  in  that  colony  by  the  establishment  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Swansea.t  From  that  time,  churches  of  this  order 
arose  and  prevailed  amid  slander  and  contempt,  until  in  less 
than  a  score  of  years,  Baptist  churches  were  found  scattered 
throughout  the  colony. | 

In  1728,  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  of  which 
Maine  was  then  a  part,  passed  a  law  exempting  Episcopali- 
ans, Baptists  andQuakersfrom  taxation  to  the  support  of  the 
Congregational  clergy,  if  they  lived  within  five  miles  of  their 
own  respective  places  of  worship.  This  law  expired  in 
1733 ;  but  was  revived  again  in  1740.  Yet  through  the 
influence  of  the  '  Standing  order  of  Congregationalists,'  it 
was  again  repealed  in  1752.§  Again  the  opposed  sects 
begged  for  mercy  at  the  hand  of  the  court ;  and  again  anoth- 
er law  was  enacted  in  1757,  somewhat  liberal  towards 
Episcopalians  and  Quakers;  but  less  so  toward  Baptists. 
One  feature  of  this  law  was  peculiarly  prescriptive  and 
against  them.  No  certificate  was  allowed  as  legal,  unless 
it  acknowledged  the  term  Anabaptist  to  be  expressive  of 
their  sentiments.)!  This  the  Baptists  could  not  do  without 
sacrifice  of  conscience  and  faith.  They  therefore  endured 
the  oppression  thirteen  years,  when  this  law  was  revised  and 
amended  in  1770.  By  this  law,fl  as  amended,  they  were 
exempted  from  taxation  by  presenting  a  certificate  from  the 
church  and  minister.  Three  years  before  the  revision  of 
this  law,  in  1767,  there  were  in  Massachusetts  64  churches. 
Under  the  influence  of  the  revised  law,  their  churches  be- 
came more  conspicuous,  and  multiplied  more  rapidly. 

*Ben.  vol.1,  pp.  356,  358  | Vol.1,  p.  354.  JBen.  vol.  1,  p.  381.  ftBacb. 
vol.  2,  pp.  85,  88.  ||Bach.  vol.  2,  p.  193.  ITBen.  vol.1 ,  p.  415.  3* 


30  CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Churches  in  Berwick — Berwick  and  Madbury — a  temporary  church  in  Gor- 
ham — first  Baptist  Ordination  in  Maine — Church  in  Sanford — first  Baptist 
meeting-house  in  Maine — Churches  in  Wells  and  Ly  man. 

BERWICK.  In  May,  1764,  a  few  Baptists  in  Haverhill, 
Mass.,  had  been  organized  to  exert  their  religious  influence 
in  church  capacity  under  the  ministry  and  council  of  Rev. 
Hezekiah  Smith.*  Mr.  Smith  did  not  escape  abuse.  He 
counted  not  his  life  dear  to  himself;  and  continued  the 
useful  Pastor  of  that  church  till  his  death,  1804.t  Mt. 
Smith's  labors  were  not  confined  to  that  people.  Never 
tiring  in  his  efforts  to  extend  the  Redeemer's  kingdom, 
like  his  cotemporaries  in  the  ministry,  he  journeyed  into 
new  and  distant  places,  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  poor.J 
The  town  of  Madbury,  N.  H.,  and  Berwick,  Me.,  first 
received  his  attention  and  occasional  ministrations.  He 
went  forth  not  alone.  God  was  with  him;  souls  were 
converted;  and,  he  soon  had  the  pleasure  of  administering 
the  Apostolic  ordinance  of  Baptism  in  the  province  of 
Maine,  not  far  from  the  place  where  oppression  had  anni- 
hilated the  pious  desires,  hopes,  and  prospects  of  Screven 
and  his  brethren.  As  in  Kittery,  so  in  Berwick,  opposition 
threatened  to  overthrow  the  work.  But  the  time  for  God 
to  favor  Zion  had  come.§  Having  already  learned  to 
endure  the  cavils  and  cruelties  of  persecution  with  persever- 
ing fortitude,  the  undaunted  Smith  proceeded  in  1768,  at 
their  request  to  organize  the  Baptists  in  Berwick  into  a 
regular  church  of  Christ.  This  church  was  composed  of 
eight  males  and  four  females.  ||  This  was  indeed  a  "  little 
one,"  but  it  was  to  the  Baptists  in  the  colonies,  as  a  "  Star 
in  the  East."  Kittery,  when  incorporated  into  a  town,  in 

*Ben.  v.  1,  p. 419.    tp.  419.    f p.  418.    $Rev.  J.Tripp.  ||Ben.  v.  1,  p.  309. 


CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783.  31 

1647,  embraced  the  plantations  of  Berwick  and  Elliot.* 
Soon  the  plantation  of  Berwick  became  a  parish,  and  in 
1713,  was  incorporated  into  a  town.t  One  hundred  and 
fifty  acres  of  land  had  been  granted  in  1669,  for  the  support 
of  the  ministry.f  For  more  than  a  century  the  inhabitants 
had  been  under  the  influence  of  the  Congregationalists. 
A  prominent  circumstance  which  introduced  the  senti- 
ments of  the  Baptists  into  Berwick, was  an  incident  in  the  life 
of  Joshua  Emery.  Previous  to  the  visits  of  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Emery  had  separated  himself  from  the  Congregational 
connection.  Although  esteemed  a  man  of  eminent  tal- 
ents and  a  Christian,  sound  in  orthodoxy,  yet  on  account 
of  his  dissenting  views,  he  obtained  little  favor  with  the 
community.  By  way  of  irony  and  ridicule  he  was  called  a 
'  New  Light.'§  He  invited  Mr.  Smith  to  visit  Berwick. 
Subsequently  he  became  a  principal  actor  in  the  Baptist 
cause  there.  With  the  rise  of  the  church,  persecution 
awoke,  and  entered  a  violent  crusade  against  its  members 
and  their  friends.  The  presentation  of  certificates  in  com- 
pliance with  law  did  not  prevent  their  being  taxed  to  the 
support  of  the  standing  Armenian  faith.  ||  Mr.  Emery  and 
John  Gowen,  two  distinguished  members  of  this  infant 
church,  were  imprisoned  through  the  bigotry  of  an  eccle- 
siastical hierarchy.  Their  property  was  seized  and  sacrificed 
to  sustain  the  intolerent  spirit.  But  inspired  by  a  love  and 
zeal  kindred  to  that  which  burned  in  a  '  Pilgrim's  heart,' 
on  the  unfrequented  heath  of  Lincolnshire,  and  which 
lighted  up  the  nightly  surf  on  which  he  embarked,  the 
church  in  Berwick  were  not  to  be  intimidated  by  such 
violence.  They  persevered ;  and  the  blessing  of  God 
cheered  them  in  their  progress;  and  their  humble  and 
untiring  efforts  in  the  cause  of  liberty,  humanity  and 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  303.  tGreen.  Eecl.  Sketches,  p.  26.  JKittery 
town  records — Greenleaf,  p.  26.  (Statements  of  Rev.  James  Hooper,Paris. 
HBachus  vol.  2,  p.  263,  and  vol.  3,  p.  202. 


32  CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783. 

religion,  soon  taught  their  oppressors  to  moderate  their 
vehemence.  Mr.  Emery  entered  the  ministry,  though 
never  ordained,  and  long  sustained  his  office  with  dignity 
and  usefulness.  Mr.  Joshua  Eaton  was  also  a  member 
and  united  his  labors  with  Mr.  Emery,  in  teaching  the 
people.  Under  the  united  efforts  of  Emery  and  Eaton, 
this  church,  like  the  rising  sun,  cast  its  cheering  beams 
over  the  surrounding  darkness,  and  sent  forth  its  healthful 
influences  into  the  new  and  growing  settlements  Fines, 
imprisonment,  loss  of  property  ;  irony,  calumny,  threats  ; 
all,  could  not  prevent  their  operations  or  their  influence. 
In  a  few  years  their  numbers  were  so  multiplied  as  to  render 
it  proper  to  divide.  A  division  was  made.  The  brethren 
in  the  north  part  of  the  town  were  dismissed  to  unite  with 
the  Baptists  in  Madbury,  N.  H.,  to  form  one  church.  This 
church  was  then  known  by  the  name  of  the  '  Berwick  and 
Madbury.'  Over  this  church  William  Hooper  was  ordained 
as  Pastor,  at  Berwick,  August  14,  1776.  He  was  the  first 
Baptist  minister  ever  ordained  into  the  holy  office,  on  the 
soil  of  Maine.* 

The  original  church  in  Berwick,  now  takes  the  name 
of  '  Berwick  church  at  the  Great  Hill.'  Mr.  Emery  con- 
tinued to  preach  with  this  church  till  he  was  succeeded 
by  the  ordination  of  William  Batchelder,  as  Pastor,  August 
14th,  1796.'t  During  a  period  of  nine  years,  the  church 
flourished  under  his  ministry.  It  was  increased  by  a  gradual 
accession  till  1805,  when  a  large  accession  was  made  to  its 
numbers  as  the  fruits  of  a  special  and  general  revival.  The 
church  now  showed  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-seven 
members,  and  Mr.  Batchelder  left  for  another  field  of 
labor.  Having  remained  destitute  about  two  years,  Rev. 
Joshua  Chase  was  made  their  Pastor.  He  continued  with 
them  but  a  few  years,  and  left  them  with  a  diminution  of 

•Rev.  John  Tripp's  communication.        fRev.  J.  Tripp. 


CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783.  33 

members,  although  at  first  the  church  under  his  ministry 
obtained  some  prosperity.  They  were  now  without  a 
pastor  several  years ;  and,  trials  and  divisions  cast  a  gloom 
over  the  church.  On  account  of  peculiar  internal  disorders, 
the  church  was  suspended  from  the  privilege  of  associa- 
tional  connection  in  1818 ;  but  was  restored  again  to  its 
*  former  standing'  in  the  Association  in  1821,  under  the 
names  '  Berwick  and  York,'  and  with  but  twenty  members. 
June  7  ,'1823,  Joseph  Gillpatrick  was  ordained  its  minister. 
Drring  hsi  labors  with  them  its  number  was  almost  tripled, 
and  the  church,  with  the  new  name  of  South  Berwick  and 
York,  was  ready  to  move  forward  under  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Littlefield.  In  1839,  it  assumed  its  present 
name,  '  South  Berwick,'  and  received  Rev.  J.  Hubbard  as 
pastor,  who  was  a  rich  blessing  to  the  church,  till  he 
removed  in  1840.  In  1838  and  '9,  a  precious  revival  was 
enjoyed.  Since  Mr.  Hubbard  left,  the  church  has  had  no 
pastor,  and  !<ut  occasional  preaching.* 

This  is  the  oldest  church  in  the  State,  and  has  passed 
through  much  persecution,  many  severe  trials,  and  several 
changes.  It  has  seen  precious  seasons  of  divine  mercy, 
and  numerous  other  churches  rise  and  flour  sh  around  it. 
Here  was  built  the  first  house  for  the  worship  of  God,  erected 
among  the  Baptists  in  Mains.  Of  this  house  the  devoted 
Emery  built  one-fourth,  and  gave  it  to  the  church.t 

GCRHAM.  The  labors  of  Rev.  Mr.  Smith  of  Haver  hill, 
did  not  close  in  Maine  with  the  gathering  and  embodiment 
ofihe  chirch  in  Berwick.  He  penetrated  farther  into  the 
interior  of  the  Province,  visiting  from  settlement  to  settle- 
ment, preaching  Christ,  and  searching  out  the  friends  of 
Baptist  sentiments.  He  came  to  Gorham,  a  town  first  set- 
tled about  1740,  and  where  a  Congregational  church  was 


*Facts  gathered  mostly  from  the  Minutes  of  York  Assoc. 
Rev.  J.  Hooper,  of  Paris. 


fStalement  of 


34  CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783. 

organized  in  1750.*  It  does  not  appear  that  the  people  had 
as  yet  been  favored  with  a  revival  of  religion.  Those  who 
were  professedly  pious,  had  emigrated  from  other  places. 
Here  Mr.  Smith  found  a  few  Baptists  like  sheep  scattered 
in  the  wilderness.  With  the  feelings  of  a  good  Shepherd, 
he  collected  them  into  a  fold,  and  recognized  them  as  a 
Baptist  church  1768. t  Previous  to  this  movement,  all  was 
quiet  in  Gorham.  But  this  step  of  these  humble  and  un- 
privileged disciples  at  once  excited  the  intolerant  spirit 
which  had  before  slept  in  the  breast  of  the  established  order. 
They  were  reproached,  slandered,  and  vexed  with  ministe- 
rial taxes,  though  less  so  than  was  the  church  at  Berwick. 
We  do  not  learn  that  they  ever  had  a  pastor.  In  1796,  it 
appears  that  they  were  not  in  fellowship  with  the  Baptists, 
and  probably  became  Free-will  Baptists.  It  is  quite  cer- 
tain that  the  church  was  never  a  member  of  any  associa- 
tion al  body. 

SANFORD.  This  town  was  first  settled  about  the  year 
1747,  and  was  then  called  Philipstown.  It  is  said  that  no 
religious  communion  was  formed  here  till  the  gathering  of 
the  Baptists  into  a  church.  J  The  church  in  Berwick,  like 
a  fruitful  vine  in  a  genial  soil,  flourished,  spread  its  branch- 
es into  different  and  distant  places,  yielding  fruit.  Its 
conflicts  only  quickened  its  zeal.  Watered  by  frequent 
showers  of  holy  influence,  it  soon  caused  new  shoots  of 
heavenly  origin  to  appear.  Sanford  was  a  settlement  but 
a  few  miles  to  the  north  of  Berwick.  A  church  was  recog- 
nized here,  four  years  after  that  in  Berwick,  in  1772.  At 
first  it  was  a  small  and  feeble  band.  There  were  Congre- 
gationalists  here ;  and  a  church  was  organized  of  that  faith 
in  17S6,§  and  we  regret  to  say  that  there  was  not  the  best 
feelings  cherished  by  the  latter  towards  the  former.  They 
had  a  pastor,  but  the  Baptists  still  remained  destitute,  and 

*Green.  Eccl.  Sk.  p.  89.  {Gathered  from  statements  made  by  Rev.  J. 
Tripp.  JGrecnleafEccle.  Sk.  p.  109.  §Page  89. 


CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783.  35 

from  1790  to  the  settlement  of  their  first  pastor,  were  call- 
ed to  endure  the  storms  of  persecution. 

Rev.  Otis  Robinson  became  the  pastor  in  1798.  Now 
their  days  of  darkness  found  an  end.  A  precious  and  gen- 
eral revival  commenced  with  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Robinson, 
which,  in  two  years  enlarged  the  church  from  thirty  to  one 
hundred  and  forty-four.  Mr.  R.  took  up  his  pastoral  charge 
1810,  which  left  the  church  without  the  stated  ministry  till 
Rev.  Gideon  Cook  received  the  pastoral  care  in  1816,  when 
a  second  special  refreshing  was  experienced,  and  the  church 
much  enlarged.  Mr.  Cook  continued  their  useful  minister 
about  ten  years,  and  left  to  officiate  in  the  second  church, 
at  Kennebunk-port.  After  struggling  with  trials  and  dis- 
couragements several  years,  the  church  was  again  restored 
to  a  happy  state  of  prosperity,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Cook  became 
pastor  a  second  time,  in  1832.  In  1838,  Mr.  Cook  again 
resigns  his  charge,  leaving  the  church  in  a  happy  and 
prosperous  state.  Having  been  destitute  several  years, 
and  having  had  only  occasional  preaching,  the  church 
suffered  a  loss  of  members.  Rev.  Joseph  Gillpatrick,  their 
present  pastor,  commenced  his  labors  with  the  church  in 
1842.  This  church  has  existed  seventy-one  years,  and  is 
now  a  respectable  church  of  one  hundred  and  two  mem- 
bers.* Rev.  Paul  S.  Adams  received  ordination  in  this 
church,  September  19,  1838. 

WELLS.  As  new  fields  were  opened  to  the  Baptists,  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  raised  up  laborers  to  enter  and  cultivate 
them.  In  Wells,  a  town  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Ber- 
wick, Baptist  sentiments  next  began  to  gain  an  influence, 
and  aided  by  the  exertions  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Lord,  a 
licentiate,  several  persons  became  pious.  This  influence 
was  much  resisted  and  abused  at  that  time.  To  become 
a  Baptist  was  regarded  by  the  popular  sect  as  evidence  of 

*The  above  statements  are  gathered  from  Minutes  of  York  Asso. 


36  CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783. 

a  radical  deficiency  in  religious  faith,  if  not  in  common 
sense.*  Reproaches,  however,  did  not  prevent  the  pious 
converts  from  professing  Christ  by  baptism,  nor  from 
securing  to  themselves  the  privileges  of  church  communion 
and  fellowship.  In  October,  1780,  fourteen  persons  were 
recognized  by  Rev.  Dr.  Shepherd  and  Rev.  Wm.  Hooper, 
as  a  church  of  Christ,  and  in  November  following,  Mr. 
Lord,  who  had  been  the  principal  means  in  winning  them 
to  Christ,  was  ordained  pastor  of  this  little  flock,  and 
officiated  in  the  church  as  such  for  a  period  of  eighteen 
years. 

During  the  ministry  of  Elder  Lord,  considerable  pros- 
perity attended  the  efforts  of  the  church.  When  his 
labors  terminated  with  this  church,  it  numbered  sixty-two, 
having  obtained  a  net  increase  of  fe  rty-eight  in  that  period. 
Of  the  early  life  of  Mr.  Lord,  we  have  no  information. 
From  the  beginning  of  his  ministry  with  this  church,  till 
death  closed  up  his  work  on  earth,  1832,  at  the  age  of 
78  years,  he  officiated  as  pastor  18  years  with  the  church 
in  Wells,  and  28  with  the  church  at  Berwick.  It  is  said 
of  him  that  '  he  was  eminently  useful  as  a  preacher  and 
pastor.'  The  last  sermon  he  preached,  was  an  affectionate 
address  to  his  brethren,  from  these  words  :  '  See  that  ye 
fall  not  out  by  the  way.'t 

On  the  28th  of  February,  i798,  Joseph  Eaton  waa 
ordained  the  second  pastor  of  this  church.  During  the 
period  of  Elder  Eaton's  career  with  the  church,  it  passed 
through  several  important  changes ;  sometimes  it  had 
seasons  of  prosperity,  and  then  seasons  of  peculiar  adver- 
sity. Between  1798  and  1803,  the  church  was  much 
enlarged  by  special  revivals.  In  1804,  the  number  of  the 

*NoTE.  The  Congregationalists,  who  had  operated  in  Wells,  from  an  ear. 
Jy  period,  after  the  first  settlement  was  made  in  1643,  were  much  disturbed 
by  the  movements  of  the  Baptists,  and  especially  was  Mr.  Hemmenway, 
their  minister,  much  perplexed  and  excited  to  jealousy  and  oppressive 
measures.  fMin.  of  York  Asso.  1832. 


CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783.  37 

church  was  reduced  nearly  one  half  by  the  dismission  of 
seventy-six  members  to  constitute  a  second  church  in  Ber- 
wick, subsequently  called  the  North  Berwick.  The  church 
now  entered  a  period  of  trials  and  discouragements.  From 
1809  to  1811,  several  members  withdrew  connection  from 
the  church,  being  dissatisfied  with  the  doctrines  taught  by 
the  pastor,  Elder  E.,  and  as  embraced  by  most  of  the 
church,  which  were  'hyper  Calvinistic,'  or  Antinomianism 
to  an  extreme.  These  dissenting  members  originated  the 
Free-will  Baptist  church  in  Wells.  These  movements,  with 
other  causes  colateral  to  them,  produced  a  sad  state  in  the 
church, — division  and  strife,  and  a  gradual  decrease  of 
members,  so  that  in  1820,  when  Eld.  E.  was  succeeded  in 
the  pastoral  office  by  the  introduction  of  Rev.  Oliver  Bar- 
ron,  the  church  showed  a  total  of  twenty-nine  members 
only.  For  nine  years,  the  first  period  of  Mr.  Barron's  min- 
istry in  the  church,  little  more  was  done  than  to  rectify 
disorders  by  instruction  and  discipline.  Rev.  Abner  Flan- 
ders succeeded  Mr.  Barron  in  the  pastoral  office  for  a-term 
of  one  year,  and  Rev.  Isaac  Merriam  was  elected  pastor  in 
1831.  Order,  peace  and  love  being  again  established  in 
the  church,  and  the  fogs  and  clouds  of  Antinomianism  be- 
ing scattered,  Mr.  Merriam  commenced  his  ministry  with 
encouragement.  Nor  was  his  hope  disappointed.  Revi- 
vals were  successively  enjoyed  under  his  ministry,  by  which 
in  a  fraction  more  than  five  years,  the  church  was  increased 
from  thirty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty-six  members.  Rev. 
Oliver  Barron  became  its  pastor  a  second  time  in  1837,  by 
whose  exertions  the  church  continued  to  enjoy  a  pleasing 
prosperity.*  The  revival  in  1831,  introduced  three  persons 
into  the  ministry ;  John  Chick,  preaching  in  New-Hamp- 
shire, Joseph  Storer,  and  Moses  Curtis,  who  died  however 

*This  history  is  gathered  principally  from  the  Minutes  of  York  Associa- 
tion, and  a  communication  from  Rev.  Oliver  Barron. 

4 


gg  CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767— 178S. 

before  he  had  concluded  his  course  of  preparation  at  Brown 
University.  This  church  is  favorably  disposed  towards 
the  objects  of  benevolence. 

SHAPLEIGH.  Shapleigh,  a  town  adjoining  Sanford,  on 
the  north,  was  next  blessed  with  the  influence  of  gospel 
principles.  Rev.  Nehemiah  Davis  was  the  first  Baptist  to 
unfurl  the  glorious  gospel  banner  in  this  place.  Nor  was 
the  effort  in  vain.  A  few  persons  became  pious  Baptists, 
who,  in  1781,  united  together  for  the  worship  of  God.* 
Mr.  Davis  was  their  gospel  leader  till  about  1798,  when  he 
removed  to  the  State  of  Ohio.  The  following  circumstance 
shows  the  increased  influence  of  Baptist  sentiments  in  the 
town.  In  1802,  a  meeting-house  was  erected  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  Baptists  at  an  expense  of  $1500. 

From  among  the  Baptist  professors  in  Shapleigh,  who 
had  for  several  years  considered  themselves  a  church  of 
Christ,  and  had  reported  themselves  as  such  to  the  New- 
Hampshire  Association,  a  church  was  regularly  organized, 
in  their  meeting-house  Oct.  6,  1803,  and  called  the  second 
church  in  Shapleigh ;  the  remaining  persons  claiming  to  be 
the  first  church.  (The  church  now  constituted  contains 
twenty-two  members ;  twelve  males  and  ten  females.)  From 
this  time  till  1818,  the  church  prospered,  by  the  occasional 
labors  of  neighboring  ministers,  especially,  by  those  per- 
formed by  Rev.  Z.  Delano,  of  Lebanon  ;  and  by  the  untir- 
ing and  devotional  efforts  of  its  deacons,  Thomas  Shackley 
Jonathan  Ross  and  John  Chadborne.  Mr.  Chadborne, 
after  preaching  by  the  authority  of  a  license,  was  ordained 
the  first  pastor  of  the  church,  Sept.  1818,  and  discharged 
the  duties  of  that  office  for  four  years,  when,  by  his  request, 
he  was  dismissed  from  his  charge  of  the  church  in  1822. 
Three  pastors  have  succeeded  Mr.  C. ;  Rev.  Charles  Blan- 
chard  officiated  from  April  1823  to  1828  ;  Rev.  Parker  L. 

*Den.  J.  Bragdon. 


CHURCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783.  39 

Fogg,  from  1829  to  1832  :  and  Rev.  Joseph  Gillpatrick, 
from  Dec.  1833  to  Sept.  1841.  During  these  successive 
ministrations,  the  church  experienced  several  refreshing 
revivals,  which  swelled  the  number  of  members  to  one 
hundred  and  nineteen  in  1841.  Rev.  J.  Chadborne  and 
Rev.  Luther  C.  Stevens,  originated  with  this  church  ;  and 
its  present  deacons  are  James  Ross  and  Ivory  Bragdon.* 
Since  1841,  this  church  is  recognized  as  the  first  in  Shap- 
leigh.  Those  brethren  who  refer  to  1781,  as  the  time  they 
originated  as  a  church,  have  since  passed  through  several 
changes.  Several  persons  having  become  Baptists,  in  Mil- 
ton, an  adjoining  town  in  New  Hampshire,  and  having 
united  with  those  brethren,  they  were  constituted  regularly 
in  1828,  by  the  name  of  '  Shapleigh  and  Milton  ;'  in  two 
years  after  it  appears  with  the  new  name,  '  Acton  and  Mil- 
ton ;'  and  in  1835,  the  Baptists  in  Milton,  by  their  request, 
were  dismissed  to  constitute  a  church  in  that  town,  where 
the  old  church  takes  the  name  '  Acton,'  and  thus  the  old 
name  '  Shapleigh,'  is  lost  among  these  changes. 

After  the  removal  of  Mr.  Davis,  those  brethren,  called 
the  first  church,  were  destitute  of  the  regular  and  constant 
ministry  till  Rev.  Wm.  Godding,  from  Wayne,  united  with 
them  in  1807,  who  was  one  of  their  firm  supporters  through 
all  their  changes,  and  who  is  now  a  member  of  the  church 
in  Acton.  By  the  ministry  of  Eld.  Godding,  their  numbers 
were  increased,  and  in  1816,  a  pleasing  revival  was  expe- 
rienced, which  increased  their  number,  by  forty-three  bap- 
tisms. From  this  time  till  the  church  was  constituted, 
1828,  their  numbers  were  considerably  diminished.  (See 
history  of  Acton  church.) 

LYMAN.     Not  a  year  had  elapsed  after  the  Baptists  com- 
menced operations  in  Shapleigh,  before  a  central  light  was 
enkindled  in  a  joining  plantation,  called  Coxhall,  now  Ly- 
*Cora.  Dr,  VV.  Stevens. 


40  CHUhCHES  IN  MAINE,  1767—1783. 

man.  A  church  of  twenty-nine  members  was  constituted 
here,  in  the  dwelling-house  of  Jacob  Rhodes,  March  5, 
1782,  and  Simon  Locke,  who  had  been  especially  useful 
to  them  as  a  1  incensed  preacher,  was  at  the  same  time,  or- 
dained its  pastor.  Rev.  Mr.  Locke,  like  a  polar  star, 
remained  in  this  one  position,  shining  ever  with  celestial 
beauty  for  a  period  of  forty-nine  years.  He  was  distinguish- 
ed as  a  devoted  Christian,  as  a  plain  and  faithful  preacher 
of  evangelical  truth,  and  as  the  affectionate  and  sympathiz- 
ing pastor.  He  finished  his  course  and  the  ministry  he 
had  received,  in  a  peaceful  death,  Sept.  6,  1831. 

With  a  skilful  and  steady  hand,  Eld.  Locke  led  this 
church  safely  through  all  the  hardships  and  trials  peculiar 
to  the  early  progress  of  the  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the 
State,  where  clerical  oppression,  with  an  iron  hand,  threat- 
ened the  overthrow  of  every  movement  by  them  in  every 
place.  The  church  did  not,  like  some,  obtain  a  rapid  in- 
crease by  special  revivals,  but  by  gradual  accession,  it 
received  an  addition  of  one  hundred  and  seventy  members 
during  the  period  of  Eld.  Locke's  ministry. 

N.  G.  Littlefield,  a  member  of  this  church,  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel  in  1822,  ordained  as  an  evangelist  in 
1827,  and  became  pastor  of  the  church  in  1839  or  '40. 
Previous  to  the  death  of  the  first  pastor,  Mr.  Littlefield  ren- 
dered him  much  timely  aid  while  struggling  with  the  infir- 
mities of  age.  Soon  after  the  removal  of  their  venerable 
pastor,  the  church  was  divided,  and  a  second  church  in 
Lyman  was  constituted,  with  Mr.  Littlefield  their  pastor  ; 
but  time  and  circumstances  in  a  few  months  convinced  all 
concerned  of  the  impolicy  of  such  a  movement.  Divided, 
both  churches  were  too  small  and  feeble  to  sustain  the  gos- 
pel among  them  respectively  ;  united,  and  the  work  would 
be  comparatively  easy.  A  union  of  the  churches  was  there- 
fore effected  in  1833,  since  which  the  church  moves  on 
harmoniously  and  prosperously. 


WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800.  41 

At  first,  the  Baptists  in  L.  worshipped  in  barns,  dwelling- 
houses  and  school-houses.  In  six  years  after  they  became 
a  church,  they  built  a  small  house  for  the  worship  of  God, 
at  a  cost  of  $700,  which  accommodated  them  till  1820, 
when  a  second  and  more  convenient  house  was  erected  at 
an  expense  of  $2100.  Joshua  Smith,  Stephen  Butler, 
Lemuel  Burnham,  Daniel  Kimball,  Wm.  Waterhouse,  John 
Grant,  Joseph  Cleaves,  and  Simeon  Andrews,  have  acted 
as  deacons  in  the  church. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Waterborough — Cornish — a  temporary  church  in  Fryeburg — Parsonsfield— 
Limerick — Buxton. 

WATERBOROUGH.  This  town  is  situated  east  of  Shap- 
leigh,  and  north  of  Lyman,  and  presented  a  convenient  field 
for  the  occasional  labors  of  Davis  and  Locke ;  and  the  spirit 
of  opposition  being  violent  in  the  towns  south  of  them,  it 
would  be  more  agreeable,  if  not  more  consistent,  to  occupy 
those  places  where  at  least  the  liability  to  trials  would  be 
less.  In  Waterborough,  no  religious  community  was  as 
yet  formed — the  minds  of  the  people  were  therefore  un- 
trammelled by  the  influence  of  any  sectarian  creed.  The 
influence  of  the  gospel,  as  exerted  by  the  ministers  and 
churches  in  Shapleigh  and  Lyman,  was  (consequently  salu- 
tary in  preparing  materials  for  a  Baptist  church  in  that 
place,  which  were  collected  and  constituted  into  a  church, 
Oct.  27,  1791.  This  church  moved  on  peacefully — the 
clouds  of  persecution  lowered  not  around  its  pathway.  Rev. 
Henry  Smith,  of  Alfred,  became  its  pastor  in  1794,  and  for 
a  period  of  more  than  forty-two  years  he  fed  this  people 
with  the  bread  and  water  of  life,  and  was  with  them  in  a 
4* 


43  WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800. 

variety  of  conditions  ;    although  generally  they  enjoyed  a 
pleasing  prosperity — 1798, 1815,  1830  and  '31,  were  special 
seasons  of  revivals  which  cheered  pastor  and  church,  with 
large  additions,  besides  the  encouragement  afforded  by  an 
annual  increase  nearly  equal  to  the  diminution  by  dismis- 
sions, &c.     Mr.  Smith  lived  a  farmer  in  Alfred,  till  about 
the  age  of  34  or  35,  when,  from  a  generous   heart,  from 
love  to  God,  and  compassion  for  sinners,  he  left  his  honest, 
secular  business,  for   a  more  heavenly  employment,  and 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  1785,  and  very  probable 
was  an  important  means  in  laying  the  foundation  of  the 
church  with  whom  he  spent  the  subsequent  part  of  his  life, 
and  among  whom  he  died  Feb.  11,  1836,  aged  84.     Mr. 
S.  possessed  a  feeling  heart,  a  tender  conscience,  a  correct 
judgment ; — he  was  exemplary,  evangelical,  devoted,  and 
his  sermons  were  solemn,  argumentative  and  impressive.* 
Mr.  Smith's  successors  to  the  pastoral  office  in  this  church, 
are  Rev.  Abner  Flanders,  from  1836  to  1838  ;   Rev.  E. 
Robbins,  ordained  Jan.  3, 1839,  and  served  from  Jan.  1839 
to  1842,  and  Rev.  J.  Merrill  now  officiating.     The  church- 
es, Alfred  and  second  in  Waterborough,  have  their  origin 
with  this  church,  and  Elders  John  Haines,  Stephen  Web- 
ber and  Timothy  Hodsdon,  were  once  disciples  among  this 
people.      It  is  now  an  efficient,  benevolent  church  of  one 
hundred  and  eleven  members. 

CORNISH.  This  town  is  still  farther  north  than  Water- 
borough,  and  was  settled  at  a  later  period.  Among  the  orig- 
inal inhabitants,  were  several  pious  Baptists  from  Sanford, 
who  immediately  commenced  holding  meetings  for  social 
worship,  and  was  thereby  instrumental  in  the  conversion  of 
sinners.  Among  these  converts,  in  the  opening  wilder- 
ness, was  a  Mr.  John  Chadborne,  who  at  once  became 
ardently  and  zealously  engaged  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and 

"Coin,  of  James  H.  Fierce,  ch.  elk.,  and  file  of  Min.  Y.  A. 


WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800.  43 

was  instrumental  in  promoting  a  very  extensive  revival  of 
religion,  which  spread  with  a  powerful  influence  into  sev- 
eral of  the  surrounding  settlements,  and  laid  the  foundation 
for,  not  only  the  church  in  Cornish,  but  also  for  churches 
in  several  other  towns.  The  converts  in  Cornish  were 
baptized  and  became  a  branch  church  to  the  church  in 
Sanford,  and  Mr.  J.  Chadborne  was  elected  its  deacon  ; 
which  office  he  honored  till  1798,  when  he  was  ordained  as 
an  evangelist,  and  was  very  serviceable  to  the  Baptists  in  the 
vicinity  of  Cornish.  In  1792,  this  branch  was  recognized 
as  a  regular  church  ;  and  J.  Allen  and  A.  Sherborne  were 
made  deacons.  In  1801,  Dea.  Sherborne  commenced 
preaching  in  this  place,  by  whose  labors  the  church  was 
greeted  by  several  valuable  additions.  Mr.  Sherborne  was 
afterwards  ordained  at  Kennebunk-port,  and  subsequently 
was  engaged  as  a  Home  Missionary  and  died  at  Utica,  N.Y. 

June  1805,  Timothy  Remick  was  ordained  its  first  pas- 
tor, and  served  the  church  faithfully  27  or  28  years,  when, 
on  account  of  ill  health,  he  resigned  his  charge.  Eld.  R. 
saw  the  fruits  of  his  ministry  in  this  church  but  a  few  years. 
For  about  twelve  years  from  the  commencement  of  Elder 
R's  labor  with  the  church,  a  cheering  prosperity  was  en- 
joyed, so  that  in  1816,  it  had  a  total  of  eighty  members. 
From  that  date,  its  members  began  to  be  diminished,  and 
gradually  decreased,  till  in  1832  it  numbered  thirty-seven 
members  only.  During  this  down-hill  course,  the  church 
had  many  severe  trials. 

During  the  year  1833,  D.  C.  Haines,  a  licentiate  of  Port- 
land supplied  them  with  preaching,  and  his  labors  were 
useful  to  them.  But  a  more  serious  evil,  and  more  trying 
season  awaited  the  church.  March  4,  1834,  the  dwelling- 
house  of  Dea.  N.  Jewett,*  together  with  the  records,  and 

*The  relation  that  Dea.  Jewett  sustained  to  the  welfare  of  this  church,  and 
to  the  cause  of  God,  forbid  in  justice  that  he  should  be  forgotten.  Dea.  J. 
was  born  in  Hollis,  N.  H.  Feb.  11, 1758,  became  a  resident  in  Cornish,  Me. 


44  WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800. 

communion  furniture  of  the  church  were  consumed  by  fire, 
and  in  a  few  weeks  the  church  was  disbanded.  There 
were  however  many  pious  souls  in  Cornish,  who  soon  com- 
menced holding  meetings  for  the  worship  of  God;  but  be- 
ing much  divided  in  opinions  as  regards  gospel  discipline, 
they  were  considerably  perplexed  what  measures  to  adopt, 
in  which  a  general  union  could  be  felt,  and  a  harmonious 
co-operation  could  be  enjoyed.  May  15th,  1834,  at  one  of 
these  meetings,  five  brethren  being  present,  it  was  agreed, 
that  they  dispense  with  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant, 
as  held  by  the  old  church,  and  that  they  take  the  New 
Testament  for  their  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  allowing 
each  member  belonging  to  the  union  thus  formed  to  fix  his 
own  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  according  to  his  best  under- 
standing of  the  sacred  scriptures.  Measures  were  immedi- 
ately taken  to  bring  all  the  Baptists  in  Cornish  into  fellow- 
ship upon  this  plan.  The  plan  did  not  succeed  so  well  as 
the  projectors  of  it  anticipated.  Here  they  were  still  divided 
among  themselves,  and  rejected  by  the  Association  as  a 
church,  and  lost  to  the  denomination,  beyond  all  hope  of 
recovery.  A  committee  composed  of  Elders  Roberts, 
Seavey,  Littlefield,  Hubbard  and  A.  Clarke,  raised  by  the 
Association  in  1835,  visited  them,  who,  after  much  prayer- 
ful investigation  and  consultation,  gave  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship  to  four  males  and  twelve  females,  as  a  church  of 
Christ,  which  has  since  been  uniformly  blessed  with  union 
and  prosperity.  Eld.  Remick  is  still  living  as  a  member  of 
this  church,  and  has,  during  this  long  day  of  darkness  and 
trial  preached  to  them,  as  often  as  the  infirmities  of  age 
would  allow  him  the  privilege.  The  church  is  now  blessed 
with  the  pastoral  efforts  of  Rev.  J.  Hubbard,  jr.,  who  was 

1798,  and  soon  became  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  remained  a 
worthy  member  and  pillar  in  it  till  his  death,  Oct.  10,  1839.  He  had  pious 
parents,  and  was  supposed  to  have  experienced  religion  at  the  age  of  14  ; 
but  he  did  not  profess  his  hope  in  Christ  immediately.  He  at  first  united  with 
the  Congregational  church  in  Durham,  N.H.  He  wa»  baptized  by  T.Remick. 


WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800.  45 

ordained  among  them  in  1843  ;  and  shows  a  total  of  seven- 
ty members.  It  is  now  alive  to  the  various  objects  of 
benevolence.  Joseph  Chadborne  and  Stephen  Pearce 
were  its  deacons  in  1841.* 

FRYEBURG.  It  appears  from  the  best  accounts  we  can 
find,  that  there  was  a  church  in  Fryeburg  as  early  as  1787, 
of  which  Eld.  L.  Richardson  was  pastor ;  and  that  for  sev- 
eral years  flourished  in  common  with  its  neighbors.  It 
continued  to  maintain  its  progress  and  a  connection  in 
the  Association  till  about  1805,  when  it  disappeared  as  a 
church.  It  then  showed  as  a  total  of  members  eighty-three. 
By  the  circumstance  that  the  churches,  Cornish,  Limerick 
and  Limington,  received  large  additions  in  1806,  of  which 
no  account  is  reported,  we  conclude  that  the  church  in 
Fryeburg  was  disbanded,  and  most  of  the  members  united 
in  those  churches,  and  Eld.  Richardson  became  a  member 
in  the  church  in  Cornish.  This  seems  to  us  most  probable, 
although  we  have  no  certain  evidence  that  this  was  the  fact. 
This  we  know,  that  there  was  a  church  in  Fryeburg,  at  a 
very  early  period,  and  that  it  was  lost  to  the  York  Associa- 
tion in  1805,  and  that  those  churches  in  the  vicinity  did 
receive  in  1806,  large  additions,  of  which  no  account  as  to 
the  manner  of  reception,  is  given  in  their  returns  to  the 
Association  that  year.t 

PARSONSFIELD.  A  church  was  gathered  in  Parsonsfield 
about  the  year  1792,  and  Levi  Chadborne  became  its  pastor. 
In  1793  the  labors  of  Eld.  C.  were  extended  into  Limerick 
and  Newfield,  arid  additions  to  the  church  in  Parsonsfield 
were  made  from  those  settlements.  The  brethren  in  Limer- 
ickj  were  recognized  as  a  branch  church,  and  the  members 
in  Newfield  becoming  nearly  equal  in  number  to  those 
in  P.,  the  church  was  called  'Parsonsfield  and  Newfield,'^ 

*Com.  Mark  Pearce,  ch.  elk.— Min.  Y.  A.        tMin.  Y.  A. 
}See  his.  of  Lim.        §Min.  Y.  A.  1&07. 


46  WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800. 

and  retained  this  name  till  1807,  when  the  church  in  New- 
field  was  organized.  Eld.  Chadborne  was  pastor  of  this 
church  till  about  the  year  1805,  which  was  a  period  of  un- 
usual prosperity  to  the  church,  as  the  number  of  members 
when  his  labors  closed,  evince ;  that  number  being  one 
hundred  and  eighty-eight.  The  Congregationalists  began  to 
make  exertions  in  Parsonsfield  in  1791,  and  organized  a 
church  1795,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Rolfe, 
but  their  prosperity  was  much  less  than  the  Baptists. 

Mr.  Chadborne  was  succeeded  by  Wentworth  Lord, 
who  became  an  early  member  in  the  church  ;  was  ordained 
an  evangelist  in  1803,  and  became  pastor  1806,  discharged 
the  duties  of  the  office  till  about  1830,  when  age  and  in- 
firmity required  that  he  should  have  the  assistance  of  a 
junior  pastor,  and  remained  the  senior  pastor  in  the  church 
till  1835. 

Mr.  Lord  was  eminently  useful  as  a  pastor  of  this  church 
and  to  the  Baptist  cause  in  its  vicinity.  While  the  senior 
pastor,  he  was  assisted  by  the  ministry  of  Rev.  S.  Tyler, 
Parker  L.  Fogg,  and  Wm.  N.  Slason  ;  and  was  succeeded 
by  Charles  H.  Green,  ordained  1838,  who  was  a  blessing 
to  the  church  till  1842,  when  he  resigned  his  charge.  From 
1806  to  1828,  the  church,  although  encouraged  by  frequent 
additions,  yet  by  large  dismissions,  it  sustained  a  net  loss 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  members.  The  scale  of  prosper- 
ity now  turned  more  favorable ;  and  from  1828  to  1836,  it 
received  a  net  increase  of  sixty-five  members.  A  brighter 
day  began  to  dawn  upon  the  church  in  1838,  than  had 
been  experienced  since  its  early  prosperity.  Although 
diminished  by  the  dismission  of  about  twenty  of  its  mem- 
bers to  constitute  a  second  church  in  town,  the  settlement 
of  Mr.  Green  as  pastor,  encouraged  their  perseverance; 
and  in  1839  the  church  received  the  cheering  additions  of 
fifty  by  baptism.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  centre  of 


WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  1784—1800.  47 

the  town,  and  is  accommodated  with  a  neat  and  convenient 
house  of  worship,  and  is  able  to  support  a  pastor.  Present 
number  of  members,  eighty-two.* 

LiMERicK.t  As  early  as  1793,  a  few  Baptist  members 
resided  in  Limerick,  and  constituted  a  branch  church  to 
the  church  in  Parsonsfield,  over  which  Rev.  Levi  Chad- 
borne  then  presided,  and  by  whose  occasional  labors  the 
Baptists  in  Limerick  originated.  The  influence  of  the  pa- 
rent church,  and  the  efforts  of  their  pastor,  tended  to 
increase  their  number.  In  October  1796,  a  church  was 
organized  in  Limerick,  composed  of  twenty-five  members, 
and  Ebenezer  Kingman  was  ordained  pastor  a  short  time 
after  its  organization.  Eld.  Kingman  was  pastor  eleven 
years,  during  which  the  church  saw  days  of  prosperity,  and 
a  net  increase  of  thirty-eight.  After  his  resignation,  the 
church  was  destitute  of  a  pastor  eight  years ;  and  though 
favored  with  preaching  most  of  the  time,  yet  the  church 
sustained  a  net  loss  in  this  period  of  thirteen  members. 
Since  1815,  the  church  has  had  several  pastors,  but  not  in 
immediate  succession.  Rev.  Willard  Glover,  from  1827, 
two  years  ;  Rev.  Joshua  Roberts,  from  1832,  two  years ; 
Rev.  Noah  Hooper,  from  1837,  two  years ;  Josiah  H.  Til- 
ton,  ordained  pastor  in  April  1840. 

Thomas  Paul,  Benjamin  Paul,  Jotham  Day,  Ezra  Tomb, 
Atherton  Clark,  Alvan  Felch,  and  Obed  Walker,  have  gone 
forth  from  this  church  into  the  gospel  field,  to  preach 
Christ  to  their  fellow-men.! 

BUXTON.  This  place  was  at  first  called  '  Narragansett 
No.  1,'  and  was  settled  between  the  years  1740  and  '50; 
and  when  there  were  but  twenty  families,  Rev.  Mr.  Coffin, 
a  Congregationalist,  began  to  preach  among  them,  whose 

*Min.  Y.  A.    tA  Congregationalist  church  was  organized  in  Limerick  in 
1795.    Like  the  Baptist  church,  it  remained  small  and  feeble  for  many  year 
tCom.  by  Jesse  Locke,  ch.  elk. 


48  WESTERN  DISTRICT  FROM  17&4-1800. 

labors  were  continued  in  the  town  for  sometime  after  the 
Congregational  church  was  organized,  in  1763.*  The  re- 
ligious views  and  feelings  were,  as  a  consequence,  by  these 
exertions,  very  nearly  established,  which  were  strictly  of 
an  Armenian  character.  They  were  therefore  disqualified 
to  receive  cordially  the  doctrines  of  a  gracious  dispensation. 
But  at  length  the  clear  light,  shining  from  a  northern  point 
in  their  moral  heavens,  when  most  of  the  Baptist  churches 
were  gathered  into  a  beautiful  constellation,  illuminated 
some  of  the  souls  in  Buxton.  John  Chadborne,  of  Par- 
sonsfield,t  and  Simon  Locke,Fof  Lyman,  were  among  the 
first  Baptist  ministers  to  visit  and  preach  the  gospel  in  this 
place,  and  those  who  became  Baptists,  at  first  united  with 
the  church  in  Lyman.  The  influence  against  the  Baptists, 
as  was  common  in  all  the  places  where  the  Puritan  spirit 
reigned  predominant  over  the  minds  of  the  people,  was 
strong  here.  And  the  passion  for  Pedo-baptism  was  too 
unyielding  to  allow  willingly  the  Baptists  even  a  name  or 
place.  But  the  Lord  opened  a  goodly  heritage  for  them, 
and  a  church  was  organized  Dec.  1799.  One  of  their  num- 
ber, Abner  Flanders,  was  called  of  God  to  be  their  teacher 
and  guide,  who  was  ordained  pastor  about  the  year  1803, 
and  continued  to  preach  alternately  at  Buxton  Centre,  and 
in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  till  about  the  year  1825, 
during  which  period  the  Baptist  cause  made  a  pleasing 
progress.  The  church  lost  many  by  dismissions,  &c.,  but 
the  increase  was  considerably  more  than  to  balance  the  loss. 
The  original  number  was  fourteen;  and  in  1825,  when  the 
North  church  was  set  off,  the  number  was  ninety.  North 
Buxton  church  was  constituted  of  forty-nine  members,  dis- 
missed from  the  South  church  June  2,  1825.  By  this  di- 
vision, the  old  church  was  diminished  not  only  in  numbers 
but  in  ability  ;  and  thereby  rendered  wholly  unable  to  sus- 

"Greenleaf  Eccl.  his.  p.  108.    tMin.  Y.  A. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810.  49 

tain  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  They  therefore  declined, 
being  destitute,  and  in  1833  were  dropped  from  the  Asso- 
ciation as  having  lost  its  visibility  as  a  church.  Rev.  A. 
Flanders  received  the  pastoral  care  of  the  North  church  till 
1829,when  this  venerable  pastor,  after  a  term  of  26  years  in 
B.,  by  his  request  was  honorably  dismissed.  The  next  ten 
years  this  church  had  no  pastor,  but  was  assisted,  and  by 
the  blessing  of  God,  enlarged,  by  the  ministry  of  various 
preachers,  but  principally  by  that  of  Rev.  A.  Wilson,  of 
Portland,  who  preached  from  1830  to  '32,  much  of  the 
time,  when  the  church  was  increased  to  seventy-five  mem- 
bers ;  by  Rev.  Samuel  Robbins,  in  1834,  when  the  church 
received  some  additions.  In  April  1840,  William  Bailey 
was  ordained,  by  whose  ministry  the  church  increased  to 
one  hundred  and  twenty  members. 

The  Baptists  in  Buxton  have  passed  through  many  se- 
vere trials  ;  among  other  evils,  they  have  been  afflicted  by 
'  a  frequent  change  of  ministers.'  The  churches  in  Hollis 
and  Scarboro'  have  their  origin  with  the  Baptists  in  Buxton.* 

[Mr.  Bailey  left  this  church  and  removed  to  Bowdoinham 
in  1844.] 


CHAPTER  V. 

Lebanon  and  North  Berwick — Berwick  2d — Berwick  3d — Limington— 
Kennebunk-port — Kennebunk — VVaterborough  2d,  a  temporary  church — 
Hollis — Newfield  1st  and  2d,  both  temporary — Hiram. 

LEBANON  AND  NORTH  BERWICK.  A  church  was  con- 
stituted in  1801,  which  was  composed  of  members  residing 
in  Lebanon,  and  in  the  northerly  part  of  Berwick,  and 
called  '  Lebanon  and  Berwick.'  It  is  not  known  that 
any  one  preacher  in  particular  was  instrumental  in  laying 
the  foundation  of  this  church ;  but  probably  was  a  field 

*Com.  W.  Bailey,  Pas.  N.  Ch.  B.  5 


50  WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810. 

occupied  occasionally  by  all  the  neighboring  ministers 
Rev.  Zebedee  Delano  is  returned  as  their  pastor,  1802,* 
and  is  yet  the  senior  pastor  in  the  church.  Since  1831, 
assistance  has  been  rendered  by  several  in  the  ministry ; 
Rev.  A.  Flanders  was  a  member  and  preached  from  1832 
to  1835 ;  John  Boyd,  a  licentiate,  from  1836,  nearly  two 
years;  Rev.  J.  E.  Strong,  from  1840  to  the  present,  has 
officiated  as  the  acting  pastor,  and  continues  his  useful  la- 
bors with  them.  Rev.  Mr.  Delano  was  one  of  the  early  resi- 
dents in  the  town  of  Livermore,  Me.,  and  one  of  the  first 
converts  in  the  first  revival  in  that  town,  1793.t  He  soon 
entered  the  ministry  by  ordination,  and  has  ever  remained 
piously  devoted  to  the  cause  he  then  embraced. 

This  church  has  passed  through  many  seasons  of  trial, 
and  has  experienced  much  prosperity.  In  1835,  when  the 
North  Berwick  church  was  dropped  from  the  Association, 
it  took  the  name  of  '  Lebanon  and  North  Berwick,'  and 
has  since  become  an  interesting  and  flourishing  body  of 
seventy-five. 

BERWICK  2d,  or  subsequently  NORTH  BERWICK.  This 
church  originated  with  the  church  in  Wells.  In  1804, 
seventy-six  members  were  dismissed  from  that  church  for 
the  purpose  of  constituting  this  second  church  in  Berwick, 
leaving  eighty-two  only  to  maintain  the  cause  in  Wells. 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Lord  was  settled  as  pastor  at  the  time  they 
became  a  church,  leaving  Eld.  Eaton  to  guide  that  flock. 
Eld.  Lord  continued  pastor  of  this  church  till  his  removal 
by  death,  April  28,  1832,  when  the  number  of  members 
was  106;  when  he  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  charge 
by  Rev.  Philander  Hartwell,  of  the  church  now  called  N. 
Berwick.  Eld.  Hartwell  labored  one  year,  and  then  the 
church  were  left  destitute,  and  owing  to  its  '  hyper-Calvinis- 

*Min.  Y.  A.       tSee  hi».  of  that  Church. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810.  51 

tic'  views,  in  1835,  was  dropped  from  the  Association,  with 
permission  to  unite  as  individual  members  with  other 
churches  in  the  Association.  During  its  existence  as  a 
church,  it  enjoyed  but  one  special  revival,  which  occurred 
about  the  year  1815.  Previous  to  this  revival,  there  was  a 
gradual  loss  of  members,  but  subsequently,  the  church  ex- 
perienced more  general  prosperity,  receiving  a  gradual  gain 
of  members.* 

THIRD  CHURCH  BERWICK.  A  small  church  of  fourteen 
members  was  constituted  in  Berwick,  in  1808,  called  the 
'  3d  in  B.,'  and  Rev.  William  Chadborne  officiated  as 
pastor  till  1817,  when  he  retired  from  their  midst,  and 
the  body  having  never  obtained  much  strength  or  increase, 
and  now  being  destitute  of  the  ministry,  declined,  and  in 
1824,  set  among  the  stars  which  rise  no  more.* 

LIMINGTON.  This  town  is  situated  in  what  was  at  first 
called  the  '  Ossipee'  county,  and  settlements  were  com- 
menced here  about  1775,  and  a  Congregational  church 
was  organized  in  Limington,  1789.  Rev.  Dr.  Adams,  a 
Congregationalist,  having  preached  in  this  and  the  adjoin- 
ing towns  nine  years,  and,  being  a  physician  as  well  as 
minister,t  he  had  great  influence  over  all  the  early 
inhabitants ;  they  were  therefore  strongly  fortified  with  the 
faith  of  Pedo-baptism.  With  this  opposing  faith,  the 
Baptists  had  to  contend  in  this  as  well  as  in  most  other 
places. 

About  ten  years  after  the  Congregational  church  was 
constituted,  the  Rev.  John  Chadborne,  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Cornish,  began  to  visit  L.,  and  preach  the  gospel 
to  the  people.  Now  comes  a  conflict  between  baptism  and 
sprinkling ;  but  in  the  contest  God  gave  the  victory  to  the 
Baptists  in  a  few  cases  of  conversion  ;  and  those  who 
became  Baptists,  united  immediately  with  the  church  in 

*Min.  Y.  A.       tGreen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  113. 


52  WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810. 

C.,  and  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Chadborne.  Their 
numbers  increased,  and  in  1802,  they  withdrew  from  C. 
and  formed  the  church  in  L.,  and  Elder  Chadborne,  by 
their  earnest  request  left  the  church  in  Cornish,  and  be- 
came their  pastor.  With  this  church  he  labored  success- 
fully one  year,  and  resigned  to  occupy  another  field.  Mr. 
Chadborne  was  succeeded  the  same  year  by  the  ordination 
of  Stephen  Webber,  who  continued  in  the  office  till  1809, 
when  he  resigned.  The  church  now  numbered  thirty-four 
"members.  After  being  destitute  of  a  pastor  about  four 
years,  John  Seavy,  an  active  member  in  the  church,  was 
useful  to  the  church  in  the  capacity  of  a  licentiate,  till 
1816,  when  he  was  ordained  their  pastor,  who  has  been  a 
shining  light  in  the  church.  The  year  previous  to  the 
ordination  of  Rev.  Mr.  S.,  the  church,  after  much  per- 
plexity and  trial,  with  a  portion  of  the  members  who 
refused  aid  in  assisting  the  poor  of  the  church,  excluded 
one-third  of  its  number.  This  greatly  diminished  the 
church,  but  brought  peace  and  prosperity,  as  the  encour- 
aging result.* 

From  1823  to  1840,  the  church  passed  through  a  period 
of  darkness  and  discouragement ;  during  which,  the  faithful 
pastor  almost  concluded  several  times  that  his  usefulness 
was  at  an  end  in  that  place ;  but  as  often  some  circum- 
stance occurred  to  increase  his  faith  that  the  '  vision'  was 
only  tarrying  for  a  season,  and  ultimately  would  be  disclosed 
in  the  building  up  of  Zion.  He  waited  not  in  vain.  The 
blessing  was  given  in  1840,  when  a  general  work  of  divine 
mercy  was  experienced.  Probably  if  Mr.  Seavy  had  been 
as  faithless  as  some,  he  would  have  seen  sufficient  cause 
to  justify  a  removal,  and  left  the  church  to  mourn  and 
wait  alone,  and  the  blessing  of  1840,  to  a  successor.  It  is 

*Ch.  Clk.,  Samuel  Hopkinson 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1800-1810.  53 

very  certain  that  such  a  faith  in  God,  is  the  best  support 
which  a  pastor  can  have  in  a  day  of  adversity,  and  the 
best  antidote  for  an  uneasy  and  indeterminate  state  of  mind. 
John  Andrews,  James  Lord,  Isaac  Small,  Isaac  Small, 
2d,  Benjamin  Small,  and  Nathaniel  C.  Small,  have  officiated 
as  deacons.  John  Seavy  and  Samuel  Tyler,  became 
ministers  of  the  gospel.  This  church  has  existed  forty-one 
years ;  its  original  number  was  thirteen. 

KENNEBUNK-PORT.  This  is  a  shore  town,  about  half  way 
from  Portland  to  Portsmouth,  and  is  a  large,  commercial 
and  wealthy  town.  It  was  settled  at  an  early  period,  and 
was  affected  religiously  by  the  influence  of  the  Congrega- 
tionalist  church  in  Wells,  which  was  organized  in  1701. 
As  a  result  of  this  influence  a  Congregation alist  church 
was  gathered  in  Kennebunk,  in  1730,  with  Rev.  Daniel 
Little,  pastor,*  who  was  the  only  minister  in  the  town 
when  the  Baptists  began  to  preach  Christ  in  the  place, 
which  must  have  been  about  the  time  the  Baptist  church 
was  gathered  in  Wells,  1750.  A  Baptist  church  was 
not  gathered  here,  however,  till  about  the  year  1803,  and 
in  1804,  the  church  'Arundel,'  now  Kennebunk-port, 
with  Rev.  Andrew  Sherburne,  pastor,  united  with  N.  H. 
Association,  and  numbered  twenty-eight  members.  Mr. 
Sherburne  continued  to  minister  to  this  church  till  1819, 
and  the  blessing  of  God  upon  the  exertions  which  were  made 
during  this  period  laid  the  foundation  for  the  Baptist  in- 
terest in  Kennebunk.  In  1818,  its  total  of  members  was 
ninety-two,  but  it  soon  experienced  a  rapid  diminution ; 
in  1820,  a  second  church  in  Kennebunk-port  was  set  off, 
and  Rev.  Jotham  Day  became  its  next  pastor,  but  during 
his  stay  the  church  was  like  '  Lot's  wife,'  stationary,  and 
in  1829,  it  was  lost  to  the  denomination,  having  become 
extinct.t 
*Green.  Eccl.  his.  p.  23.  tMin.  Y.  A. 

5* 


54  WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810. 

The  tender  shoot  which  sprang  from  this  old  stock, 
1820,  soon  became  a  flourishing  plant,  and  is  now  a  most 
fruitful  vine.  This  was  the  second  church  in  Kennebunk- 
port,  now  the  '  Kennebunk-porf ;  the  first  being  lost. 

KENNEBUNK.  The  same  year,  (1803),  that  the  first 
church  Kennebunk-port  was  organized,  a  church  was  con- 
stituted in  the  eastern  part  of  Wells,  by  the  name,  'second 
Wells,'  and  was  composed  of  fifteen  members,  some  of 
whom  resided  in  Wells,  some  in  Kennebunk ;  Rev.  Joshua 
Roberts,  who  at  that  time  became  its  pastor,  was  much 
respected  by  the  church  and  useful  in  its  service,  till 
about  the  year  1831,  when  he  resigned  his  charge,  and 
removed  to  another  part  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  In 
1830,  it  numbered  sixty-three  members,  and  was  in  a  pros- 
perous condition.  This  church  was  called  '  second 
Wells'  till  1812 ;  from  that  time  till  1820,  '  East  parish 
in  Wells ';  since  1820,  '  Kennebunk.'  Since  the  resig- 
nation of  Elder  Roberts,  the  church  has  not  received 
additions  sufficient  to  meet  its  losses,  although  blessed  with 
a  succession  of  faithful  pastors — as  Samuel  Robbins,  who 
labored  with  the  church  in  1833,  one  ye*  ;  (1834,  desti- 
tute); 1835  and  '36,  Shubael  Tripp,  two  years ;  (1837, 
destitute);  1838,  Charles  Emerson,  one  year ;  1839  and 
'40,  Elias  McGregor,  two  years ;  from  1841  to  the  present, 
Rev.  John  Hubbard,  (1842).  In  1841,  its  number  of 
members  was  twenty,  only  ;  but  its  prospects  have  recently 
brightened,  and  the  church  is  much  encouraged,  although 
small  and  feeble.* 

Rev.  S.  Tripp  was  removed  from  his  labors  among 
this  people  in  1837,  by  death,  in  view  of  which  event,  we 
find  the  following  expression  of  the  Association : — '  In 
his  death  we  feel  that  the  cause  of  Christ  has  lost  a  worthy 
and  faithful  minister ;  society  an  ornament,  and  his 

*Min.  Y.  Asio. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810.  55 

family,  with   whom   we  deeply  sympathize,  a  kind   and 
affectionate  head.'* 

Dea.  John  Taylor,  who  died  October  20,  1838,  was  a 
member  of  this  church  from  its  commencement,  and  was 
deacon  most  of  that  period.t  He  was  beloved  by  the 
church  in  life,  and  lamented  in  death. 

SECOND  WATERBOROUGH.  The  next  church  gathered 
in  this  Association,  was  a  small  church,  organized  in  1804, 
by  the  name  of  second  Waterborough.  It  appears  from 
its  history  as  traced  in  the  minutes  of  that  body,  that  its 
early  and  principal  supports  were,  deacons  John  Hill  and 
Paul  Chadborne ;  and,  during  the  last  period  of  its  ex- 
istence, Rev.  Atherton  Clarke  endeavored,  from  1826  to 
1834,  to  promote  its  life  and  a  more  cheering  prosperity 
than  it  had  before  enjoyed.  But  his  labor  was  almost  in 
vain,  and  he  relinquished  the  hope  of  seeing  the  church 
ever  arise  to  distinction  and  usefulness.  Its  number  of 
members  never  exceeded  twenty-five,  and  its  visibility  was 
lost  to  the  Association  in  1836.|  This  church  in  1842, 
was  again  resuscitated,  and,  like  a  star  which  had  wan- 
dered from  its  proper  orbit,  brought  back  to  its  place  in 
the  Association,  to  move  forward  in  harmony  with  its  as- 
sociate churches.^ 

HOLLIS.  A  small  Baptist  church  was  organized  in 
Hollis,  formerly  Philipsburg,  Aug.  20, 1805,  principally  of 
members  previously  dismissed  from  the  church  in  Buxton, 
and  partly  of  persons  who  had  become(  Baptists  by  the 
ministry  of  Timothy  Hodsdon,  who  was  ordained  its  first 
pastor,  October  9,  of  the  same  year.  Rev.  Mr.  Hodsdon 
was  a  faithful  laborer  in  this  church  till  about  the  year 
1822,  when  it  pleased  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  to 
remove  him  to  his  home  in  heaven.  During  his  ministry 
the  church  received  but  a  small  enlargement,  and  but  few 

*Min.  1837,  p.  9.    fZion's  Advocate.    JMin.  Y.  A.    §Min.  Saco  Ai so. 


|6  WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810. 

alterations,  there  being  no  extensive  revival  in  that  period. 
From  the  death  of  Elder  H.  till  1832,  the  church  was 
destitute  of  a  pastor,  though  not  altogether  deprived  of 
preaching,  and  still  remained  small  and  inefficient.  This 
church  owes  much  to  the  piety  and  faithfulness  of  deacon 
S.  Bradley  and  Daniel  Haley.  Sometime  in  1832,  John 
Hubbard  began  to  preach  in  the  capacity  of  a  licentiate, 
and  on  the  9th  of  October  was  ordained  as  pastor,  and 
soon,  under  his  ministry  the  church  appeared  like  one 
coming  up  out  of  the  wilderness,  clothed  in  light ;  and 
for  three  years  advanced,  obtaining  a  small  net  increase  of 
members.  Rev.  Mr.  H.  left  in  1835,  since  which  time 
the  church  has  been  destitute ;  in  a  low,  tried  and  dis- 
couraged state,  and  at  present  has  thirty-four  members 
only.* 

NEWFIELD.  The  Congregational ists  were  forward  of 
the  Baptists  in  Newfield.  They  organized  a  church  there 
in  1801.  But  being  unfortunate  in  their  first  pastor,  it 
was  many  years  before  they  realized  much  prosperity.t  It 
is  quite  probable  that  Baptist  ministers  in  the  vicinity 
began  many  years  before  this  time  to  preach  occasionally 
in  Newfield.  Rev.  Levi  Chadborne,  of  Parsonsfield,  was 
blessed  in  his  efforts  to  evangelize  the  people  in  N.,  as 
early  as  1793,  and  soon  a  part  of  the  church  in  Parsonsfield 
belonged  in  that  town.$  In  1807,  thirteen  were  dismissed 
from  P.,  and  a  church  was  constituted  in  N.  of  fourteen 
members.  In  1809,  William  Goodwin,  who  had  been 
useful  to  the  church  as  a  licensed  preacher,  was  ordained 
pastor,  the  church  then  numbered  thirty-nine.  He  left  the 
church  1810,  with  the  number  of  members  increased  to 
fifty-one.  The  church  was  then  destitute  of  a  pastor  till 
1824,  and  sustained  in  that  time  a  loss  of  more  than  one 

"Com.  Wm.  Bailey,  Buxton.   tG.  Eccl.  his.  p.  115.  £See  his.  Par.  C.  p.  45. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810.  57 

half  of  its  members.  This  year,  Shubael  Tripp,  who  had 
held  a  license  in  the  church  two  or  three  years,  was 
ordained  to  the  ministry,  and  assisted  the  church.  The 
church  had  now  twenty  members,  having  been  diminished 
by  the  dismission  of  several  members  to  aid  in  forming  a 
second  church  in  the  town.  Rev.  Mr.  Tripp  retired  from 
this  field  in  1825,  and  the  church  was  again  destitute,  and 
after  a  conflict  with  darkness  several  years,  and  no  prospect 
of  surviving  the  trial,  by  a  recommendation  of  the  Asso- 
ciation in  1836,  the  church  was  disbanded  to  unite  with 
other  churches  in  the  vicinity.* 

SECOND  CHURCH,  NEWFIELD.  This  church  was  con- 
stituted May  14,  1818,  and  the  same  year  united  with 
Association,  with  twelve  members,  some  of  whom  were 
previously  dismissed  from  the  first  church  for  this  purpose. 
This  church  like  the  one  from  which  it  originated,  was 
destined  to  a  few  years'  existence,  only ;  and  these  formed 
a  period  of  trial  and  discouragement,  which  ended  about 
the  year  1837.  Since  that  time  there  has  been  no  Baptist 
church  in  Newfield  to  unite  with  the  denomination  in  ex- 
tending the  Redeemer's  kingdom. t 

HIRAM.  This  town  is  situated  north  of  Cornish,  and 
is  the  most  southerly  in  Oxford  county,  and  was  among  the 
early  settlements  in  that  section  of  the  country.  As  early  as 
1787  and  '88,  Rev.  Zebediah  Richardson,  of  Fryeburg, 
and  Rev.  John  Chadborne,  of  Cornish,  introduced  Baptist 
sentiments  among  the  people,  by  occasional  visits,  and 
preaching  the  gospel  to  them,  and  some  few  of  these  early 
settlers  became  Baptists.  Mr.  John  Watson,  and  Lucy, 
his  wife,  and  Mr.  Asa  Osgood,  and  Lydia,  his  wife,  were 
the  first  baptized  by  Elder  Richardson,  and  united  to  the 
church  in  Cornish,  that  being  the  nearest  and  most  con- 
venient for  them  ;  and  although  the  distance  was  eleven  or 
*Min.  Y.  A.  1836.  tMin.  Y.  A.  1813  and  1836. 


58  WESTERN  MAINE,  1800—1810. 

twelve  miles,  Watson,  Osgood,  and  their  wives,  on  foot, 
and  in  bad   roads,  punctually  attended  the   meetings   in 
Cornish.     This  they  did  till  1803,  when  they  were  favored 
with  more  preaching  in  Hiram  ;  and  1804,  under  the  labors 
of  Rev.  Levi  Chadborne,  of  Limerick,  a  very  glorious  work 
of  grace  was  enjoyed,  which  resulted  in  a  pleasing  increase 
of  Baptists,  who  were  added  to  the  same  church  with  Wat- 
son, etc.     In  1805,  Elder  William  Godding,  on  a  mission 
by   the   direction  of  the  Association,  spent   a  short  time 
among  them,  and  baptized  fifteen  persons.    From  this  time 
till  1809,  the  people   of  Hiram  obtained  a  portion   of  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  T.  Remick,  who  was  then  pastor  in  Cor- 
nish, and  were  blessed  with  many  precious  seasons  in  this 
period.     The  foundation  being  now  laid,  and  the  materials 
for  the  building   being  now  prepared,    the  erection  of  the 
edifice  was  the  next  thing  to   be  done.     The   Baptists   in 
Hiram,  therefore,  were  assembled  in  the  dwelling-house  of 
Mr.  Stephen  Burbank,  and  recognized  by  a  council  as  a 
church  of  Christ,  with  nine  males  and  nine  females,  eigh- 
teen in  number.     Since  this  church  was  constituted,  there 
have  been  but  a  small  increase  of  members,  never  exceed- 
ing twenty-seven ;  never  able  to  erect  a  house  for  worship  ; 
therefore  they  have  been  obliged  to  meet  in  dwelling-hous- 
es, barns,  school-houses,  and  town-house.  They  never  had 
the  assistance  of  a  pastor,  till  Rev.  J.   Chadborne  became 
their  minister,  in  1835 ;  and  were  blessed  with  no  special 
revival   till  1839,   when  a  few  souls   were  converted    and 
added  to  the  church.     Mr.  John  Watson  was  a  prominent 
member  in  this  church,  and  was  active  in  all  its  interests. 
He  lived  to  see  all  his  children  converted.     He  died  1827, 
aged  77  years.     Dea.   Thomas   B.  Watson  died  in    1836. 
Dea.  Osgood  died  some  time  previous.     These  all  distin- 
guished themselves  for  usefulness   in  the  church.     John 
Watson  is  their  present  clerk. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810-1845.  59 

CHAPTER  VI. 

South  Berwick  Village — Saco — Acton — Cape  Neddock — North  Kenne- 
bunk  port — Kennebunk  Village — Alfred — Parsons6eld  2d — Shapleigh  2d 
— First  Kennebunk  and  Lyman — Sanford  2d — Mt.  Hope — Springvale. 

SOUTH  BERWICK  VILLAGE  CHURCH.  This  church  is 
the  offspring  of  the  first  and  oldest  church  in  Berwick,  a 
division  of  which  took  place  before  the  ordination  of  Rev. 
William  Hooper ;  and  that  portion  of  the  members  residing 
in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  then  distinguished  by  the 
name  'Q,uampeagan,'  united  with  the  Baptists  in  Madbury, 
N.  H.,  and  settled  Elder  Hooper,  as  their  pastor.  'Quam- 
peagan'*  is  the  place  where  now  stands  the  pleasant  village 
of  South  Berwick,  in  which  is  situated  the  church  we  now 
describe.  The  Baptists  being  a  branch  of  the  church  in 
Madbury,  received  a  portion  of  the  ministry  of  Elder  H. 

The  Congregationalists  formed  a  society  at  '  Quampea- 
gan  landing,'  in  1700,  built  a  house  for  worship,  and 
organized  a  church  in  1701,  and  settled  a  pastor  in  1702.t 
They  then  obtained  the  ministerial  lands  belonging  to  the 
ancient  '  Piscataqua,'  and  laid  serious  obstacles  to  the 
progress  of  the  Baptists,  and  occasioned  their  long  and  try- 
ing struggle,  to  obtain  a  permanent  location  as  a  denom- 
ination in  that  village.  At  length  the  victory  was  won, 
and  a  small  church  of  fifteen  members  was  organized  in 
1824,f  by  the  name  it  now  bears.  At  first  it  was  aided  in 
its  operations  as  a  church  by  its  deacon,  Charles  Shorey 
and  Christopher  S.  Hale,  a  licentiate  preacher.  As  evi- 
dence that  these  movements  pleased  the  great  Shepherd, 
prosperity  began  to  attend  the  church  at  every  step  in  its 
progress. 

In  1826,  Rev.  Charles  Miller  became  pastor ;  Rev.  Jo- 
seph Ballard,  in  1829  or  '30;  Rev.  Lewis  Colby,  in  1838; 

•Rev.  J,  Tripp.     \ Green.  Eccl.  hi*,  pp.  26,27.      JMin.  Y.  A  1824. 


60  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843. 

Rev.  J.  Richardson,  in  1842.  These  pastors  officiated  in 
immediate  succession,  and  were  each  eminently  useful  in 
promoting  the  advancement  of  the  church  in  numbers  and 
ability. 

The  first  revival  witnessed  in  this  church  was  in  1826, 
in  connection  with  the  ministry  of  Elder  Miller ;  but  this 
was  only  as  the  few  drops  before  the  more  glorious  shower 
of  divine  grace  and  mercy  received  under  the  ministry  of 
Elder  Ballard  in  1831,  '32  and  '33,  which  added  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-five  to  the  church  by  baptism.  By  this  and 
subsequent  prosperity,  the  church  has  become  a  large  and 
useful  body,  being  active  in  the  various  benevolent  enter- 
prises of  the  age. 

NORTH  BUXTON.  For  an  account  of  this  church,  see  p.48. 

SACO.  In  this  ancient  town  commenced  the  first  per- 
manent settlement  in  the  State  of  Maine,  in  1623,*  and 
the  first  seat  of  government  in  the  Province.!  This  settle- 
ment underwent  many  changes,  so  that  no  religious 
organization  took  place  till  the  formation  of  a  Congrega- 
tional church,  September  30,  1730;  although  the  town 
had  been  favored  with  several  ministers  previous  to  the  ex- 
istence of  this  church,  and  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God 
had  been  erected  in  1674.J  We  do  not  learn  that  any  other 
religious  sect  made  efforts  in  this  town,  till  the  Methodists 
commenced  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century. 

From  the  best  accounts  that  can  be  obtained,  it  does 
not  appear  that  the  Baptists  made  any  movements  earlier 
than  1800.  It  is  reported  that  Elders  Simon  Locke, 
Abner  Flanders  and  Josiah  Converse,  were  the  first  Bap- 
tists to  bestow  any  labor  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ  in 
this  place,  and  that  Elder  Converse  was  the  first  to  admin- 
ister the  ordinance  of  baptism  there.  This,  we  think, 

*Willis'  his.  Port.  vol.  I,  p.  16.  fWil.  his.  Port.  vol.  1,  p.  48.  JGreen. 
Eccl.  his.  pp.  63,_64. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810-1843.  61 

must  have  been  performed  between  the  years  1806  and 
'10,  while  Elder  Converse  preached  in  Portland.  Most 
of  the  early  efforts  made  by  the  Baptists  in  the  town,  were 
however  by  Rev.  A.  Flanders;  and  these  occasional  efforts 
are  to  be  regarded  as  among  the  preliminary  means  which 
have  ultimately  originated  the  Baptist  interest  among 
the  people ;  also  the  church  whichwas  organized  Febru- 
ary 8,  1827.  The  original  number  was  seven,  two  males 
and  five  females,  which  number  was  soon  increased  to 
sixteen. 

Rev.  Frederick  Clarke  was  their  pastor  in  1828,  and 
the  number  of  the  church  was  that  year  increased  to 
thirty-two  members,  and  their  prospects  encouraged  them 
to  make  an  effort  to  provide  for  their  accommodation,  a 
house  of  worship.  The  church  was  small  and  composed 
mostly  of  females.  It  was  therefore  resolved  to  lay  their 
situation  before  the  Association  for  their  advice  and 
assistance.  They  did  so,  and  the  Association  sympathiz- 
ing with  them  in  their  condition,  recommended  to  the 
churches  and  all  benevolent  persons,  to  do  what  they 
could  to  assist  the  church  in  their  undertaking.  Mr. 
Clarke  was  the  principal  actor  in  the  business,  and  espe- 
cially in  collecting  voluntary  contributions. 

A  lot  of  land  was  purchased  at  the  cost  of  $500  ;  a 
frame  for  the  house  was  erected ;  and  a  vestry  was  built 
which  served  for  meetings.  Now  comes  a  scene  of  trials 
and  difficulties  in  the  church,  which  entirely  prevented 
their  enterprise.  For  want  ol  means  the  frame  of  the 
house  was  never  covered,  and  the  lot  of  land  lost  for  want 
of  a  good  title ;  and  Mr.  Clarke  deposed  from  his  high 
calling  in  the  denomination  on  account  of  his  fraudulent 
acts  in  the  business.  The  church  was  divided  in  the 
affair;  one  part  favored  Mr.  Clarke,  the  other  part  con- 
sidered him  faulty.  Councils  were  called,  but  in  vain ; 
6 


62  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843. 

a  third*  council  who  deliberated  upon  the  proceedings 
and  results  of  the  two  former,  and  upon  the  doings  of  the 
parties  in  the  church,  also  upon  the  conduct  of  Mr. 
Clarke  during  the  whole  affair,  settled  the  matter.  They 
reported  to  the  Association,  (by  whose  authority  they  had 
acted),  through  the  medium  of  a  select  committee  chosen 
by  the  same  body  to  examine  and  advise  respecting  that 
report  ;t  that  Mr.  Clarke  had  not  '  given  satisfactory  ac- 
count of  the  monies'  collected  by  him  to  aid  the  buildincr 

J  o 

of  the  house ;  '  that  we  have  not  confidence  in  Mr.  F. 
Clarke  as  a  faithful  brother  or  minister  of  Christ,  and  that 
we  do  not  fellowship  him  in  that  sacred  office ';  believing 
that  Mr.  F.  Clarke  has  forfeited  all  claim  to  Christian  and 
ministerial  character  and  standing;  your  committee  also 
recommended  that  the  church  withdraw  from  him  their 
fellowship  both  as  a  Christian  and  as  a  minister;  and  this 
same  committee  recommend  to  the  Association  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  committee  to  assist  the  church  in  Saco,  in  carry- 
ing into  effect  what  was  advised  by  the  committee.  These 
unfortunate  occurrences  operated  to  almost  annihilate  the 
Baptist  cause  in  Saco,  by  bringing  down  upon  the  denomi- 
nation an  overwhelming  weight  of  prejudice.  But  that 
God  who  can  make  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  him,  and 
restram  the  violence  of  prejudice,  opened  a  fair  prospect  to 
the  church,  by  soon  restoring  harmony,  principally  by  the 
wise,  the  prudent  and  timely  efforts  of  Rev.  Adam  Wilson, 
who  labored  in  the  gospel  with  them  the  most  of  the  time 
for  two  or  three  years,  next  subsequent  to  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Clarke.  When  Rev.  Clark  Sibley  was  installed  pas- 
tor, Feb.  17, 1836,  the  church  was  increased  to  about  sixty 
members  ;  he  remained  one  year,  and  again  the  church 
was  destitute  ;  but  prospered  under  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
S.  Sargent,  Rev.  S.  W.  Field,  and  Rev.  C.  W.  Bradbury, 
»Min.  Y.  A.  1832,  p.  5.  fMin.  Y.  A.  1833,  p.  5. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1834.  53 

luring  the  interval  between  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Sibley 

\d  the  ordination  of  Ahira  Jones,  as  pastor,  August  16th, 
.  338.  Mr.  Bradbury  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist  in  this 
caurch,  March  14,  1838. 

Rev.  Mr.  Jones  continued  his  useful  ministry  in  this 
church  till  the  year  1843,  which  was  a  period  of  peculiar 
prosperity  to  the  church,  its  number  being  increased  to  one 
hundred  and  fourteen.  In  the  summer  of  1841,  they  com- 
pleted a  new  and  convenient  house  of  worship,  at  a  cost  of 
$3,500.*  Rev.  A.  Colburn  is  their  present  pastor. 

ACTON.  (See  First  Shapleigh,  p.  38.)  As  Baptists 
increased  in  Shapleigh,  their  influence  was  felt  in  Milton 
and  Acton.  After  the  division  in  Shapleigh,  1803,  the 
Baptists  in  the  west  part  of  the  town  were  called  the  first 
church,  and  was  so  considered  (although  there  are  doubts 
whether  it  was  ever  regularly  organized,  as  no  records  of 
its  proceedings  can  be  found)  till  1828,  when  a  church  was 
gathered  by  the  name  of '  Shapleigh  and  Milton/  in  which 
places  the  members  resided.  Within  two  years  it  passed 
through  another  change,  and  takes  the  name  of '  Acton  and 
Milton,'  most  of  the  members  living  in  these  towns.  In 
1835,  the  Baptists  in  Milton,  became  a  separate  church, 
leaving  the  old  stock  with  the  name  Acton,  and  which  is 
the  present  church  in  that  town.  Its  origin  being  some- 
what peculiar,  it  will  be  proper  to  trace  it  by  a  review  of 
the  Baptists  in  West  Shapleigh.  We  find  these  Baptists 
without  a  pastor  from  the  removal  of  Eld.  Davis,  till  1807, 
when  Eld.  Wm.  Godding  became  their  minister,  and  offici- 
ated till  1835,  when,  on  account  of  his  age,  he  resigned  the 
responsibility,  but  remains  an  honorable  and  venerable 
member  of  the  church  in  Acton.  Eld.  Godding  was  among 
the  first  converts  in  the  town  of  Livermore,  and  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  Shapleigh,  in  1807.  He  was 

*Rev.  A.  Jones  and  Min.  Y.  A. 


64  WESTERN  MAKE,  1810-1843. 

assisted  in  all  his  labors  by  the  worthy  deacons,  John  Bod- 
well,  Aaron  Hubbard,  John  Lary  and  Nathan  Brackett,  all 
of  whom  were  early  members  of  the  church,  and  efficient 
promoters  of  its  cause.  Enoch  Wood  was  afterwards 
added  to  the  list  of  deacons,  who,  with  John  Bodwell,vvere 
regularly  ordained  to  the  office.  There  were  several  inte- 
resting revivals  among  these  brethren  previous  to  any 
change  in  their  name  as  a  body.  They  numbered  in  1827, 
seventy-nine  members. 

Rev.  Tozier  Lord  was  the  first  to  labor  in  Acton  in 
behalf  of  the  Baptists,  about  the  year  1780 ;  but  Elder 
Godding  has  been  the  principal  agent  under  God  in  plant- 
ing the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  in  that  town.* 

Jan.  24, 1828,  the  Acton  church  was  organized,  by  "the 
name  of  Shapleigh  and  Milton,  consisting  of  twenty-eight 
members  ;t  Rev.  Willard  Glover  came  to  their  assistance, 
and  aided  their  progress  several  months,  in  which  time  there 
was  a  revival,  which  introduced  new  members,  and  induc- 
ed most  of  the  old  members  to  unite  with  the  church. 
Charles  Emerson  was  ordained  pastor,  July  17,  1828. 
Under  the  united  labors  of  Emerson  and  Godding,  the 
church  obtained  great  prosperity.  Mr.  Emerson  closed 
his  pastoral  charge,  Aug.  1834,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Jame- 
son succeeded  him  as  the  acting  pastor,  Sept.  1837,  and 
continued  his  useful  ministry  in  the  church  1843.  As 
evidence  of  their  prosperity,  their  number  is  one  hundred 
and  fifteen  ;  and  in  1841,  they  finished  a  new  meeting- 
house at  a  cost  of  $850.  Samuel  Stady  and  Benjamin 
Brackett  are  the  present  deacons.  This  church  has  expe- 
rienced more  than  ordinary  trials,  most  of  which  were 
caused  by  intemperance,  and  on  account  of  which  several 
members  have  been  excluded.  J  The  cause  of  these  trials 
is  now,  however,  almost  entirely  removed. 

*Min.  Y.  A.       tMark  C.  H«ard,  Ch.  Clk.        JM.  C.  Heard,  Ch.  Clk. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843.  65 

CAPE  NEDDOCK.  This  church  is  situated  on  a  point  of 
land  in  the  town  of  York,  and  was  organized  August  20th 
1829,  of  twelve  members,  five  males  and  seven  females.  A 
few  Baptists  and  members  of  the  church  in  South  Berwick, 
nad  resided  here  many  years.  Eld.  N.  Lord  preached  one 
sermon  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Jeremiah  Weare,  in  1780, 
but  opposition  prevented  further  attempts  at  that  time  to 
evangelize  the  people.  After  an  interval  of  about  twenty- 
three  years,  Eld.  W.  Batchelder*  preached  a  lecture  in  an 
orchard,  owned  by  David  Webber,  and  God  gave  power 
to  the  truth,  which  awakened  attention  ;  and  though  his 
efforts  were  vigorously  opposed,  nearly  fifty  souls,  in  a 
short  time,  were  converted ;  part  of  whom  united,  as  a 
branch,  with  the  church  in  South  Berwick  ;  the  remainder 
originated  a  Free-will  Baptist  church.  In  a  few  years  the 
Methodists  commenced  preaching,  and  some  of  these 
united  their  efforts  with  them. 

The  interested  reader  may  ask  why  the  Baptists  were  so 
unwelcome  to  the  people  of  York.  We  cannot  answer  the 
inquiry,  unless  it  were  owing  to  an  aversion  to  their  senti- 
ments, created  by  the  influence  of  Pedo-baptism,  into  the 
principles  of  which  the  people  had  for  many  years  been 
indoctrinated.  The  half-way  covenant  church  had  existed 
here  from  1673,  and  Pedo-baptism  in  Episcopalian  form, 
at  a  much  earlier  period.  But  the  violence  of  persecution 
being  checked,  if  not  entirely  overcome,  by  the  freedom 
of  American  institutions,  the  way  was  -open  for  a  more 
peaceful  effort  by  the  Baptists  on  the  Cape.  While  a  branch 
church  to  South  erwick,  they  were  assisted  by  the  occa- 
sional preaching  of  several  ministers,  and  especially  of 
Elders  Andrew  Sherburne  and  Joshua  Chase.  When  the 

*On  hearing  Eld.  B.  preach,  Samuel  Weare,  Cotton  Chase  and  John  Ten- 
ney,  Congregationalists,  renouteed  their  favorite  notions  of  baptism,  and 
became  piously  engaged  in  the  cause  of  truth,  aud  Mr.  C.  is  ft  worthy  dea- 
con in  the  church. 


66  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843. 

Methodists  began,  they  professed  great  love  and  union  to 
the  Baptists,  and  feeling  that  their  profession  was  sincere, 
the  Baptists  united  with  them  in  building  a  house  of  wor- 
ship in  1823.  And  now  comes  a  test  of  their  love. 
They  must  have  a  deed  of  the  house,  and  provide  the 
preacher.  But  the  Baptists,  disliking  the  yoke  of  aristoc- 
racy, concluded  to  act  for  themselves. 

Rev.  Oliver  Barr  n  c  mmen  M><!  preaching  here  May 
1829.  At  first  he  found  many  to  oppose  his  efforts,  but  by 
the  blessing  of  God  he  was  successful  among  them  for  a 
term  of  about  three  years.  The  church  was  increased  to 
twenty-four  members.  They  have  since  prospered  under 
the  labors  of  a  succession  of  ministers.  Rev.  John  Haines 
preached  one  half  of  the  time  in  1832.  Joseph  Ames,  a 
licentiate,  occasionally  in  1833.  Rev.  Clarke  Sibley  re- 
ceived the  pastoral  care  Jan.  9,  1834,  and  remained  three 
years;  and  then  the  church  had  a  supply  several  weeks  by 
Noah  Hooper,  jr.,  then  a  student  at  Newton  Theological 
Institution,  and  nearly  one  year  by  Rev.  D.  M'Master;  till 
April  15th,  Itf-ks,  when  Rev.  Gideon  Cook  commenced 
his  labors  as  pastor.  He  having  preached  throe  years, 
resigned  his  charge,  and  was  succeeded  by  I.  Merrill,  a 
licentiate,  who  preached  about  a  year,  and  left  the  church 
destitute. 

This  church  has  held  several  protracted  meetings,  which 
have  been  the  means  of  much  increase  in  numbers,  and 
power  of  influence,  while  other  sects  have  rather  dimin- 
ished. The  second  church  in  Wells  originated  partly  with 
this  church ;  Rev.  Theodore  H.  Lunt  was  sent  forth  to 
the  gospel  ministry  ;  and  Cotton  Chase,  Jonathan  Talpey, 
and  Samuel  Webber  are  its  deacons.  Whole  number  receiv- 
ed by  baptism  is  seventy-one ;  present  number,  fifty-five.* 

BlDDEFORD,     nOW     NORTH    KENNEBUNK-PORT.          This 
*Dea.  Samuel  Webber,  Ch.  Clk. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843.  67 

church  was  received  into  the  Association  in  1835,  with  ten 
members.  It  retained  the  name  Biddeford,  and  a  place  in 
the  Association  without  any  alteration  in  its  number  of 
members  till  1840,  when  it  was  increased  by  an  addition  of 
twelve  by  letter,  and  its  name  changed  to  North  Kennebunk- 
port.  It  grew  to  be  more  prosperous,  with  occasional 
preaching.  It  has  never  been  blessed  with  the  labors  of  a 
pastor,  and  remains  a  small  feeble  church  of  twenty-eight 
members,  who  are  '  at  peace*  among  themselves.* 

KENNEBUNK  VILLAGE  CHURCH.  This  church  is  situated 
in  a  pleasant  and  nourishing  village,  and  was  organized  in 
1834.  Soon  after  it  was  embodied,  Thomas  O.  Lincoln  of 
Boston,  and  a  graduate  of  Newton  Theological  Institution, 
became  its  pastor.  During  his  ministry  here,  a  period  of 
about  two  years,  the  church  prospered,  being  blessed  with  a 
revival  and  a  pleasing  addition  by  baptism  in  1836.  After 
Rev.  Mr.  Lincoln  left  for  a  more  important  field,  in  the  city 
of  Portland,  the  church  remained  without  a  pastor,  and  des- 
titute of  the  stated  ministry,  and  as  a  natural  result,  their 
number  diminished,  and  the  ability  of  the  church  lessened, 
till  the  summer  of  1839,  when  the  labors  of  J.  M.  Harris,  a 
licentiate  were  obtained,  which  proved  a  great  blessing  to 
the  Baptist  interest  in  that  village.  The  gifts  and  labors 
of  Mr.  Harris  being  acceptable,  he  was  ordained  pastor  Oct. 
15th,  1840.  The  same  year  this  small  church  erected  '  a 
neat  and  convenient'  house  of  worship,  every  way  adapted 
to  their  wants  and  circumstances,  and  an  ornament  to  the 
village.'  Although  Mr.  Harris  resigned  his  pastoral  charge 
and  retired  to  another  field  of  labor,  in  1842,  the  church 
was  blessed  with  preaching  the  most  of  the  time,  and  their 
number  and  ability  increased  as  the  fruits  of  a  special  work 
of  divine  grace.  Rev.  G.  Cook  succeeded  Mr.  Harris 
The  total  of  members  in  1843,  was  eighty-two.t 

"Mia.Y.A.       tMin.Y.A. 


68  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843. 

ALFRED.  As  early  as  1799,  Eld.  H.  Smith  of  Water- 
borough,  preached  occasionally  in  Alfred.  Other  denomi- 
nations had  preceded  him,  so  that  it  was  not  till  several 
years  had  passed  away,  that  he  saw  any  particular  fruits  of 
his  labors.  Fourteen  years  after  the  first  settlement  was 
commenced  in  what  is  now  Alfred,  the  Congregationalists 
began  to  preach  among  the  people,  and  a  church  of  that 
faith  was  organized  in  1780.*  Soon  after,  a  society  of 
Shaking  Quakers  was  founded  in  the  town.  The  minds 
of  the  people  therefore  were  prepared  for  any  thing  but  for 
the  reception  of  Baptist  sentiments  and  practices.  But 
Eld.  Smith  continued  his  labors,  and  in  1805  he  had  the 
privilege  of  administering  baptism  in  the  place.  This 
opened  the  way  for  others,  who  from  time  to  time  were 
joyful  to  embrace  the  ordinance.  In  1817,  a  sufficient 
number  having  become  Baptists,  a  branch  to  the  church 
in  Waterborough  was  formed  in  Alfred.  The  same  year, 
this  branch  church  erected  for  their  own  accommodation, 
in  Alfred,  a  house  for  worship  at  a  cost  of  eight  hundred 
dollars,  in  which  Eld.  Smith  preached  the  gospel  to  them 
one-fourth  of  the  time,  till  his  death.  Before  his  departure, 
he  advised  these  brethren  to  embody  an  independent  church. 
With  his  advice  they  complied ;  and  Aug.  22, 1836,  eleven 
males  and  twenty  females  were  regularly,  by  council,  con- 
stituted into  a  Baptist  church  ;  Jedediah  Tripp  and  James 
P.  Nutter  were  ordained  into  the  office  of  deacons,  who 
have  conducted  their  seasons  of  worship  when  destitute  of 
a  minister. 

From  May  1835  till  January  1841,  Rev.  N.  G.  Little- 
field  was  their  pastor,  and  preached  with  the  church  one 
half  of  the  time,  the  other  half  being  devoted  to  the  church 
in  Lyman  and  elsewhere.  Eld.  Littlefield  was  as  useful 
among  them  as  the  circumstances  and  the  peculiar  notions 

'Green.  Eccl.  his.  p,  110. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  1810—1843.  QQ 

and  feelings  of  the  church  would  warrant.  There  was 
some  increase  of  members.  Since  his  labors  were  with- 
drawn,* the  church  has  not  been  favored  with  preaching 
regularly.  Within  the  year  1841,  they  were  blessed  a  few 
months  with  the  preaching  of  John  Hubbard,  jr.,  a  licen- 
tiate ;  and  at  present,  one  half  of  the  time,  by  Rev.  Z. 
Morton.  The  church  has  passed  through  many  trials, 
arising  mostly  from  internal  causes — has  been  blessed  with 
several  pleasing  revivals — and  is  now  enjoying  union  and 
an  encouraging  prosperity.  Its  total  number  of  members 
in  1843  was  forty-four — it  once  numbered  forty-nine.  Four 
have  been  added  from  other  denominations.t 

SECOND  CHURCH  IN  PARSONSFIELD.  The  original 
members  of  this  church  were  dismissed  from  the  first 
church  in  Parsonsfield,  1838.  On  the  31st  of  May,  the 
same  year,  they  were  recognized  as  the  second  church  in 
P.  This  church  is  located  in  the  southwest  part  of  P., 
at  a  distance  of  four  miles  from  the  first  church.  The 
Baptists  here  own  about  one  half  of  a  small  Union  house 
of  worship,  the  other  half  is  owned  principally  by  the  Free- 
will Baptists.  This  church  has  a  fund  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  bequeathed  to  them  by  the  late  James  Marston,  of 
P.,  the  interest  of  which  is  to  be  appropriated  for  preach- 
ing the  gospel  to  the  benefit  of  the  Baptist  cause  in  that 
place;  which,  with  the  ability  of  the  church,  although 
never  favored  with  a  pastor,  they  have  been  supplied  more 
than  one  half  of  the  time  since  their  organization,  and  suc- 
cessively, by  Rev.  A.  Flanders,  Levi  Smith,  John  San- 
born,  Curtis  C.  Taylor,  licentiates,  and  students  in  New 

*The  cause  of  his  leaving,  was  the  imprudence  of  one  of  the  members. 
The  circumstance  was,  "  a  certain  female,  without  just  cause,  became  alien- 
ated in  her  feelings  towards  him,  and  to  seek  the  gratification  of  her  re- 
vengeful spirit,  originated  false  reports,  implicating  his  moral  character,  and 
^circulated  them,  secretly  from  him/which  createdsuspicions  and  jealousies 
pmong  some  of  the  members,  which,  when  known  by  him,  were  a  source  of 
trial,  and  he  immediately  resigned  his  charge  of  the  church." 

fJohn  Friend,  Ch.  Clk. 


70  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810-1843. 

Hampton  Institution,  N.  H.,  by  Rev.  E.  Cox,  who  was 
ordained  as  an  evangelist  at  Shapleigh,  in  1841,  and 
by  John  Hubbard,  a  licentiate  of  the  church  in  South 
Berwick.  Their  original  number  was  twenty-two,  and  by 
these  labors  the  church  has  increased  to  the  number  of 
twenty-eight.  It  is  a  singular  circumstance  that  they  have 
had  three  deacons,  all  of  the  name  of  Marston, — Caleb, 
Jacob,  and  Simeon.* 

SHAPLEIGH  SECOND.  This  church  is  located  at  '  Em- 
ery's Mills,'  so  called,  in  Shapleigh.  Here  is  a  small 
village,  at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  miles  from  any  Bap- 
tist house  of  worship,  and  several  Baptist  professors  resid- 
ing here,  it  seemed  important  to  them  that  something  more 
should  be  done  in  that  village  by  them  for  the  cause  of 
God,  than  they  were  doing.  Consequently,  in  the  spring  of 
1840,  they  commenced,  regularly,  a  semi-weekly  prayer- 
meeting.  This  movement  pleased  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest; a  revival  of  religion  and  the  conversion  of  sinners, 
were  its  blessed  fruits.  Materials  were  now  prepared  for 
a  church  in  that  village.  These  were  brought  together, 
and  embodied  January  21,  1841,  and  consisted  of  'five 
males  and  nine  females.'  On  the  9th  of  June,  1841,  two 
of  their  number,  George  Heard  and  Elbridge  Cox,  were 
ordained  as  evangelists;  the  former  of  whom  did,  for  two 
years  subsequent  to  his  ordination,  devote  much  of  his 
labor  to  the  benefit  of  this  feeble  church.  September  28, 
1842,  John  M.  Wedgewood,  their  present  pastor,  was 
ordained  among  them.  Total  of  members  in  1843, 
twenty-seven. t 

FIRST  KENNEBUNK  AND  LYMAN.  It  appears  from  the 
minutes  of  York  Association  for  1841,  that  a  division  had 
taken  place  in  the  church  in  'Kennebunk';  that  two 
letters  were  received,  each  coming  as  from  the  church. 

*Com  S.  Marston  Ch.  Clk.    fMoscs  Goodwin,  Ch.  Cl.  per  W.  Stevens. 


WESTERN  MAINE,  181O-1843.  71 

The  first  speaks  of  '  a  part  of  our  number  having  gone 
out  from  us ;  have  erected  a  house  and  worship  God  in 
another  town,  (Lyman),  and  although  by  dropping  those 
members  which  is  nearly  one  half  of  our  number,'  &c. 
The  other  letter  says,  '  we  have  completed  our  house '  of 
worship,  and  then  speak  of  prosperity.  The  first  letter 
returns  a  total  of  twenty  members,  and  Rev.  J.  Hubbard, 
pastor ;  the  second,  twenty-nine  members,  and  Elder 
Flanders,  preacher,  three-fourths  of  the  time.*  These 
parties  are  recognized  as  distinct  churches — their  difficul- 
ties being  so  far  removed,  that  the  brethren  with  Mr. 
Hubbard,  pastor,  remain  the  old  Kennebunk  church,  and 
those  with  Father  Flanders,  preacher,  and  the  new  meet- 
ing house,  the  '  First  Kennebunk  and  Lyman '  church. 
These  churches  have  since  prospered.  In  1842,  this 
church  received  an  addition  of  twenty-six  by  baptism,  as 
the  fruits  of  a  pleasing  revival,  under  the  labors  of  Rev. 
E.  Robbins,  who  preached  to  the  church  three-fourths  of 
the  time  for  several  months  from  the  beginning  of  the 
year.  The  church  is  now  prospering  under  the  labors  of 
their  pastor,  Rev.  S.  Ladd.  Total  of  members,  sixty- 
four.t 

SANFORD  SECOND.  This  small  church  was  organized 
with  seventeen  members,  by  council,  July  27,  1830  ;  and 
is  situated  in  the  south-eastern  part  of  Sanford,  where  these 
brethren  resided,  and  previously  existed  as  a  branch  of  a 
church  in  Kennebunk.  Their  strong  inducements  to  be- 
come an  independent  church  were,  the  distance  from  that 
church,  and  the  place  of  worship  in  Sanford,  together  with 
the  circumstance  of  their  having  erected  a  convenient 
house  for  their  accommodation  in  their  midst.  It  wn 
desirable  therefore  that  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  should 
be  administered  to  them  in  their  own  house,  which  privi- 

*Min.  Y.  A.  1841,  p.  8  :  and  Statistic,  p.  6.    fMin.  of  Saco  Ass. 


72  WESTERN  MAINE,  1810-1843. 

lege  was  now  granted  them.  At  the  time  they  were  em- 
bodied, they  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Philander  Hartwell,  then 
a  licentiate,  but  who  was  in  a  few  months  ordained  to  the 
work  of  an  evangelist,  whose  ministry  was  continued  with 
them  something  more  than  a  year,  and  blessed  with  a  re- 
vival, which  increased  the  number  of  the  church  to  forty 
members.  The  church  next  received  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
John  Chadborune,  and  were  encouraged  to  perseverance. 
From  1833  to  1836,  they  were  in  a  destitute,  tried  and 
scattered  condition,  when,  by  the  assistance  of  neighboring 
ministers,  they  awoke  from  their  slumbering,  called  upon 
God,  who  vouchsafed  to  hear,  and  answer  their  request,  by 
a  revival  of  his  work,  which  added  twenty-one  willing  con- 
verts to  their  number.  Since  that  time  the  church  has 
made  but  a  small  progress,  and  are  at  present  destitute  of 
a  pastor.* 

-SANFORD,  MX.  HOPE  CHURCH.  This  church  had  its 
origin  with  the  first  church  in  Sanford.  The  members 
residing  about  Mt.  Hope,  in  that  town,  being  at  a  consid- 
erable distance  from  the  old  place  of  worship,  and  in  the 
midst  of  a  growing  population,  decided  that  it  was  their 
privilege  and  duty  to  be  embodied  into  a  separate  church. 
On  application,  they  therefore  received  a  dismission  from 
that  church,  and  were  organized  February  25,  1841,  six 
males  and  twelve  females,  with  Rev.  G.  Cook,  as  their 
pastor.  Previously,  and  in  1840,  these  brethren,  with 
others  friendly  to  their  cause,  erected  a  convenient  house 
for  worship,  forty  feet  by  forty-six  feet.  Total  abstinence 
from  all  that  intoxicates,  was  adopted  as  a  special  article  in 
their  creed;  and  Sabbath  School  instruction  receives  their 
united  efforts.  DanielJohnson  is  their  worthy  deacon.  Soon 
after  their  organization,  they  were  encouraged  by  a  revi- 
val, and  'since  with  a  cheering  prosperity.  At  present 

*Afi«.  of  York  Ass. 


YORK  ASSOCIATION.  73 

they  have  preaching  one  half  of  the  time,  by  Rev.  J. 
Boyd ;  and  present,  as  a  total  of  members,  twenty-seven.* 
SANFORD,  *  SPRINGVALE  CHURCH.'  This  church  wast 
organized  a  few  months  since,  with  thirteen  members,  and 
is  situated  in  a  manufacturing  village  of  some  importance, 
and  though  '  few  in  numbers,'  yet,  says  a  writer,  '  having 
a  mind  to  work  and  combining  no  ordinary  degree  of  effi- 
ciency, we  trust  their  course  will  be  onward.'  They  are 
favored  with  some  aid  by  the  occ  isional  U^^r-  of  Rev.  E. 
Robbins.  Total,  thirteen. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
YORK    ASSOCIATION. 

Brentwood  Conference — New  Hampshire  Association. 

With  the  Brentwood  conference  originated  the  York  Asso- 
ciation. That  conference  was  formed  in  1776,  and 
embraced  three  churches.  Two  of  them,  Berwick  and 
Sanford,  were  in  Maine.J  Dr.  Shepherd,  the  founder  of 
the  church  in  Brentwood,  and  Rev.  Wm.  Hooper,  of  Ber- 
wick, 'were  the  principal  promoters'  of  this  body.$  Not- 
withstanding the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  progress,  Bap- 
tist churches  multiplied  and  united  to  this  conference. 
This  community  continued  till  1785,|  when  it  assumed 
the  character  of  an  Association,  and  embraced  in  addition 
to  the  two  already  mentioned,  the  following  churches  in 
Maine,  Wells,  Shapleigh  and  Lyman — a  majority  of  the 
Association  were  still  in  Maine,  and  associated  with  these 
churches  were  the  following  ministers,  William  Hooper, 
Nathaniel  Lord,  Nehemiah  Davis,  and  Simon  Locke.  These 

*Git!eon  Cook,  and  Min.  Y.  A.        fMin.  Y.  A.  1843.    Dig.  Let.  p.  8. 
{Benedict's  his.  Bap.  vol.  1,  p.  319. 


74  YORK  ASSOCIATION. 

five  churches  and  four  ministers,  constituted  the  entire 
denomination  in  Maine,  while  at  the  same  time  there 
existed  something  more  than  eight  times  the  number  of 
Congregational  churches*  and  ministers,  who  were  encour- 
aged by  the  protection  of  law,  and  privileged  with  the 
disposal  of  all  the  ministerial  lands  in  the  places  where 
they  were  located.  They  had,  therefore,  the  power  of 
influence,  and  possessed  every  facility  for  retaining  it, 
nor  were  they  slow  to  secure  every  means  favorable  to 
their  success.t  The  Baptists  were  few  and  surrounded  by 
disadvantages,  yet  relying  upon  God  they  sought  and 
obtained  prosperity  by  his  blessing.  From  1785  to  1800, 
the  number  of  churches  in  Maine  belonging  to  this  body 
was  doubled  by  the  addition  of  churches  in  the  following 
places:  Waterborough,  Cornish,  Parsonsfield,  Limerick 
and  Buxton.  The  churches  in  Maine  belonging  to  this 
body  in  1800,  embraced  six  hundred  and  sixteen  members 
and  eight  ministers. 

Some  important  business  touching  the  Baptist  cause  in 
Maine,  had  already  been  transacted  in  this  Association. 
Although  most  of  these  ministers  had  performed  voluntary 
missions  into  the  middle  and  eastern  parts  of  Maine,  and 
aided  in  promoting  the  cause  in  some  of  the  remote  and 
new  settlements,  yet  feeling  that  something  more  efficient 
must  be  done  than  could  in  this  way  be  accomplished,  the 
Association  at  its  anniversary  in  1800,  appointed  Elders 
Hooper,  Smith  and  Batchelder,  a  committee  to  employ  a 
missionary  to  travel  into  the  eastern  parts  of  the  State,  '  to 
preach  and  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  ;'J  and 

"Green.  Eccl.  his.  .p  22  .Appendix — Also  p.  34,  Appendix. 

fThe  Friends  or  Quakers  commenced  operations  in  Maine  Oct.  1730,  at 
Kittery,  now  Elliot,  and  in  1785,  they  had  six  meetings  or  Societies  for 
worship  weekly,  and  four  monthly  meeting's 

Elder  Benj.  Randall,  the  founder  of  the  Free-will  denomination  in  Maine, 
began  to  travel  and  collect  societies  in  1781,  and  in  1785.  nine  of  these 
societies  existed  in  Maine,  six  or  seven  preachers.and  two  quarterly  meetings 

JMm.  Y.  A.  p.  7. 


YORK  ASSOCIATION.  75 

contributions  were  taken  in  the  Association  and  in  the 
churches,  to  aid  the  benevolent  work.  They  saw  that  the 
field  was  large  and  the  laborers  but  few,  and  as  the  zeal 
of  their  persecutors  moderated,  they  felt  that  the  churches 
were  more  safe,  and  therefore  they  could  with  less  danger 
extend  their  influence  abroad.  Although  these  pioneers 
to  the  Baptists  had  learned  to  endure  the  trials  of  a  cruel 
opposition,  yet  they  rejoiced  when  its  rage  and  violence 
were  checked.  Something  can  be  learned  of  the  feelings 
of  the  Baptists  as  regards  these  trials,  and  their  causes, 
from  their  corresponding  letter  to  other  Associations  in 
1800.  '  Under  the  auspicious  smiles  of  Heaven,'  says  the 
letter,  '  we  see  our  churches  generally  advancing  in  love. 
There  have  been  several  revivals  the  year  past ;  and  glory  to 
God,  the  work  appears  to  increase.  However,  we  are  not 
wholly  exempt  from  trials,  for  in  many  places  irreligion 
raises  her  indignant  clamor  to  attack  Christianity  and  her 
children  with  pointed  railery  and  impious  defamation.  But 
comparatively  we  have  little  reason  to  complain ;  for 
through  the  condescension  of  our  heavenly  Father,  the 
persecuting  reign  of  tyranny  and  religious  oppression  are 
greatly  suppressed,  and  the  inhuman  barbarity  experienced 
by  our  ancestors,  is  now  generally  contemned  by  the  civil- 
ized part  of  community,  and  blessed  be  God,  an  enraged 
multitude,  blood-thirsty  accusers  and  partial  judges,  are 
not  permitted  to  desolate  the  church  as  in  ages  past.'* 
They  felt  that  '  vigilance,  firmness  and  fervor'  were  neces- 
sary even  now,  lest  '  the  cause  become  a  prey'  to  those 
'  demoralizing  principles'  which  were  then  too  industrious- 
ly propagated. 

In  addition  to  this  arrangement  before  mentioned  to  send 
aid  to  the  Baptists  farther  eastward,  a  system  of  voluntary 
suppliest  to  assist  the  feeble  and  destitute  churches  within 

"Min.  Y.  A.  1800,  p.  11.        tMin.  Y.  A.  1300,  p.  7. 


76  YORK  ASSOCIATION. 

the  Association,  was  vigorously  sustained.  This  plan  of 
voluntary  operation  was  commenced  in  1798,  and  was 
highly  beneficial  to  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  in 
many  destitute  regions. 

One  important  means  of  success  in  these  early  days  of 
the  Baptists  in  Maine,  were  frequent  days  of  fasting  and 
prayer  for  special  manifestations  of  the  Divine  Spirit  on 
the  churches.  Such  seasons  were  recommended  by  the 
Association*  in  1798. 

Operating  with  the  spiritual  means  of  gospel  truth,  and 
upon  these  simple  missionary  plans,  with  faith  in  the  ever 
precious  promises  of  God,  the  Baptists  in  York  county 
prospered  with  more  than  anticipated  success.  The 
churches  constituted  at  an  earlier  period  than  1800,  had 
most  of  them  enjoyed  precious  revivals,  bringing  in  rich  and 
large  harvests,  to  enlarge  and  render  them  distinguished  and 
powerful.  Other  churches  had  sprung  into  being,  and 
radiated  with  the  same  celestial  light,  combined  their 
power  and  influence  with  those  which  preceded  them,  and 
thus  contributed  to  the  permanency  and  usefulness  of  the 
denomination  in  this  part  of  the  State. 

The  system  of  voluntary  supplies  to  the  destitute,  and 
their  co-operation  with  the  Maine  Domestic  Missionary 
Society,  had  accomplished  much  towards  the  ultimate  suc- 
cess of  their  cause.  Something  may  be  learned  of  their 
progress  in  the  period  of  the  last  ten  years,  from  the 
increase  of  their  numbers  and  facilities  for  further 
advancement ; — and,  something  of  their  spirit,  their  zeal, 
their  wisdom,  and  their  ability,  from  some  of  their  move- 
ments in  an  associational  capacity. 

In  1810,  there  were  seventeen  ordained  ministers  of  the 
gospel ;  twenty-one  churches  ;  and  nearly  thirteen  hundred 
and  eighty-one  communicants  in  Maine,  who  composed  the 

*Min.  Y.  A.  1798,  p.  6. 


YORK  ASSOCIATION,  77 

principal  ministers  and  churches  in  the  New  Hampshire 
Association ;  making  a  net  increase  of  nine  ministers, 
twelve  churches,  and  seven  hundred  and  sixty-five  com- 
municants. 

To  advance  their  cause,  the  Baptists  were  far  from 
making  any  compromise  with  heterodoxy,  or  countenanc- 
ing error.  All  persons  or  churches  seeking  fellowship  and 
admission,  were  required  to  give  evidence  especially  of 
experimental  piety  ;  a  satisfactory  testimonial  of  soundness  ' 
in  gospel  faith  and  doctrine,  and  of  consistency  of  Christian 
and  gospel  practice.  In  1802,  two  churches  wishing  to 
unite  with  this  Association  were  refused  the  privilege 
because  of  what  was  deemed  by  that  body  to  be  a  radical 
deficiency  in  their  doctrinal  creed.  The  Association  felt 
that  to  receive  them  with  their  creed,  would  introduce  a 
seism  into  the  body,  and  endanger  its  peace  and  harmony.* 

The  evils  of  intemperance  began  to  be  felt  and  consid- 
ered by  the  Baptists  in  1803,  when  they  commenced 
measures  to  prevent  the  sale  of  spirituous  liquors  at  their 
annual  meetings,  and  in  a  few  years  the  practice  was 
entirely  broken  up  in  this  Association.  About  this  time 
some  of  the  churches  were  troubled  with  some  who  crept 
in  unawares,  and  who  made  great  pretensions  to  piety, 
and  yet  believed  in  the  Universal  salvation  of  all  men. 
That  such  hypocritical  innovators  upon  the  faith  and 
practice  of  the  churches  should  be  at  once  excommunicated, 
the  Association  gave  it  as  their  unanimous  decision.t 

The  year  1803  was  a  jubilee  season  in  the  churches 
composing  this  body,  during  which  nearly  two  hundred 
were  added  by  baptism,  which  was  in  those  days  to  the 
Baptists  an  unparalleled  increase  for  so  short  a  time. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  this  body  in  1809,  it  was 
recommended  to  the  churches  to  observe  the  first  day  of 

"Mia.  Y.  A.  1802,  p.  6.       IMin.  Y.  A.  1803,  pp.  6  and  2. 


78  YORK  ASSOCIATION. 

January  as  a  '  day  of  Fasting,  Humiliation  and  Prayer ; 
and  that  they  pray  for  an  increase  of  laborers  ; — for  the 
revival  and  speedy  enlargement  of  the  baptised  churches  ; — 
for  a  more  liberal  spirit  to  be  given  to  them,  that  the 
laborers  may  be  supplied,  and  destitute  be  assisted; — for  a 
more  perfect  understanding  of  gospel  doctrines  and  gospel 
discipline ; — and  that  God  '  would  rend  the  vail  from  off 
the  minds  of  such  of  his  own  people,  as  are  yet  blindly 
partaking  of  the  sins  of  great  Babylon;  that  they  m  y 
know  the  order  of  his  house,  and  the  purity  of  his  gospel 
kingdom.'* 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  this  body  in  1815,  the  subject 
of  Foreign  Missions  was  first  introduced  to  the  consider- 
ation of  both  ministers  and  people.  And  as  might  be 
expected  from  the  missionary  spirit  which  had  always 
characterized  the  movements  of  the  Baptists  in  this  vicinity, 
the  subject  received  a  cordial  welcome,  and  the  enterprise 
of  the  Baptist  Board  Foreign  Missions  liberally  aided. 
It  was  now  most  solemnly  and  earnestly  recommended  to 
the  churches  to  form  auxiliary  societies  to  promote  the 
pious  design  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  heathen.  This  call 
upon  the  churches  was  heard  by  some,  and  at  the  meeting 
in  1816,  $61  59  were  brought  into  the  treasury  of  the 
Lord,  and  since  that  time  the  cause  has  been  sustained  in 
these  churches  by  a  praiseworthy  and  liberal  benevolence. 
It  may  be  somewhat  surprising  to  many,  that  there 
should  be  a  loss  of  numbers  in  this  body  at  this  point  in  its 
history,  seeing  that  there  were  more  extended  efforts  made 
to  give  a  more  general  increase  to  the  denomination  ;  and 
the  inquiry  may  arise,  why  that  loss  ?  All  astonishment  will 
vanish,  when  it  is  remembered  that  during  the  period  from 
1810  to  1820,  the  whole  country  was  brought  into  painful 
extremity  by  embargoes,  wars,  and  heavy  taxes,  which  oc- 

*Min.  Y.  A.  1809,  pp.  6  and  7. 


YORK  ASSOCIATION.  79 

casioned  many  removals  from  the  older  towns  to  the  new 
settlements  in  the  interior  of  the  State,  for  the  important 
purposes  of  gaining  a  more  easy  subsistence  in  such  '  hard 
times.'  And,  by  these  removals,  dismissions  from  these 
churches  were  frequent,  to  unite  with  others  situated  among 
these  settlements,  which,  subtracted  from  the  net  gain  by 
baptisms,  left  a  balance  of  gain,  much  less  than  the  dimi- 
nution by  exclusion  and  death.  Neither  is  it  surprising  to 
find,  which  is  in  reality  the  fact,  that  more  loss  was  sus- 
tained by  removals  in  this  period,  than  in  any  other,  of  the 
same  length  of  time,  in  the  whole  history  of  the  Associa- 
tion, considering  the  proportions  of  members  in  each  period. 

From  1820  to  1830,  there  was  still  a  numerical  loss  of 
communicants,  but  it  was  a  period  of  more  enlarged  and 
well  directed  movements  by  the  Association  towards  the 
accomplishment  of  Zion's  victory,  and  for  the  general  in- 
terests of  the  Baptists  in  the  State.  During  this  period, 
Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions  received  increasing  atten- 
tion and  aid ;  a  fund  was  raised  for  the  assistance  of  those 
widows  of  deceased  Baptist  ministers  residing  within  the 
limits  of  the  Association,  who  are  needy  of  the  comforts  of 
life ;  and  more  systematic  operations  were  made  for  the 
religious  education  of  the  youth  connected  with  the  denom- 
ination. As  early  as  1815,  male  and  female  societies,  aux- 
iliary to  the  B.  B.  F.  M.,  began  to  be  formed  in  these 
churches,  the  donations  of  which  were  transferred  to  that 
Board  through  the  medium  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Associ- 
ation, till  the  York  County  Auxiliary  Society  was  organ- 
ized in  1827.*  All  the  monies  raised  in  the  Association, 
and  within  the  circle  of  this  auxiliary,  took  the  direction 
of  that  society.  The  efforts  for  this  cause  now  became 
more  general  and  prompt.  Previous  to  1823,t  (June  12,) 
the  Association  had  acted  as  a  Domestic  Missionary  So- 

«Mia.  Y.  A.  1836    11824. 


gO  YORK  ASSOCIATION. 

ciety,  operating  by  a  Board  of  trustees  appointed  at  each 
annual  meeting,  who  received  and  expended  all  the  funds 
raised  by  the  churches  and  otherwise,  for  that  purpose. 
A  Domestic  Missionary  Society  was  then  formed,  which 
relieved  the  Association  from  the  responsibilities  of  that 
business.  By  this  society  much  was  annually  done  for  the 
feeble  and  the  destitute. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1824,*  it  was  re- 
solved by  the  Association  to  take  up  an  annual  contribu- 
tion for  the  '  relief  of  needy  widows  and  children  of  de- 
ceased ministers  in  the  Association.'  This  resolution  has 
been  sustained  liberally,  and  by  it  the  widow  and  fatherless 
have  been  made  glad. 

In  1827,t  the  Association  recommended  to  the  churches 
the  importance  of  Sabbath  Schools,  and  urged  them  to  es- 
tablish immediately  schools  and  libraries  in  each  church 
and  society.  Several  schools  were  already  in  operation, 
and  some  had  been  established  for  years. 

In  1828,f  the  Association  became  a  Temperance  society, 
what  would  be  called  now,  a  Washington  Total  Abstinence 
Society — for  entire  abstinence  was  recommended ;  and  the 
resolutions  now  passed  were  spirited  and  truly  catholic. 

In  the  State  Convention,  formed  in  1824,§  this  Associ- 
ation united  and  sent  delegates  annually  to  co-operate  with 
their  brethren  in  those  measures  pertaining  to  the  general 
interests  of  the  denomination  in  the  State — and  toward  the 
close  of  this  period,  three  Quarterly  Meetings,  the  '  North,' 
the  '  South,'  and  the  '  South-western,'  were  organized  in 
the  County  of  York.  There  were  but  few  special  revivals 
enjoyed  by  the  churches  in  this  county  during  this  period ; 
and  the  annual  additions  were  small  compared  with  some 
other  societies  in  the  State.  There  was  however  an  ac- 
cession of  several  new  churches. 

*Min.  Y.  A.  1724.    f!827.    J1828.    $1824. 


YORK  ASSOCIATION.  Ql 

From  1830  to  1843,  this  Association  made  a  more  pleas- 
ing progress  than  it  had  done  in  any  former  period.  The 
number  of  churches,  ministers  and  communicants,  were 
increased,  so  that,  after  a  reduction  of  all  losses  by 
churches  and  individuals,  the  aggregate  of  members  in 
1843,  was  considerably  larger  than  in  1830.*  In  1841, 
the  Association  was  divided,  and  in  1842,  several  of  the 
churches  were  organized  into  the  Saco  River  Association ; 
making  two  bodies  where  had  existed  for  a  period  of  sixty- 
five  years,  but  one.  The  reason  for  this  division  is  re- 
corded in  the  minutes  of  the  York  Association  for  1841, t 
in  the  following  language  : — '  Whereas  this  Association 
being  scattered  over  a  large  extent  of  territory  so  as  to  sub- 
ject the  delegates  to  the  necessity  of  travelling  a  great  dis- 
tance, unless  its  session  be  held  with  some  of  the  central 
churches,  and  being  so  large  as  to  render  it  impracticable 
for  the  smaller  churches  to  invite  it ;  and  also  to  subject 
the  larger  ones  to  considerable  inconvenience,  it  would 
evidently  be  for  the  convenience  and  interest  of  the  body 
to  be  divided ;  therefore,  Resolved,  That  this  Association 
be  divided,  and  hereafter  make  two  distinct  bodies.'J 

Between  1830  and  this  division,  six  new  churches  were 
added  to  York  Association  ;  and  subsequently,  one  to 
York,  and  one  to  Saco,  making  eight  new  churches  which 
sprang  into  life  in  this  period,  within  the  old  limits  of 
York  Association.  (See  statistics.)  Owing,  however,  to 
some  changes  made  respecting  the  condition  and  circum- 
stances of  several  of  the  older  ones,  and  the  total  disap- 
pearance of  several  of  them,  the  net  increase  is  but  six, 
making  the  total  of  churches  in  both  bodies,  thirty  ;  four- 
teen in  York,§  and  sixteen  in  Saco. 

The  relations  and  places  of  pastors  and  ministers  have 

*See  Statistics,  Table  No.  .  fY.  A.  min.  1841,  p.  12.  JY.  A.  1843, 
Table  of  churches.  §Saco  Ass.  Table  Ch.,  1843. 


g2  YORK  ASSOCIATION. 

been  constantly  changing,  and  yet  about  the  same  number 
have  been  employed  within  the  limits  of  these  churches, 
annually.  These  changes  have  been  occasioned  by  death, 
which  has  removed  several  of  the  venerable  Fathers  in  the 
ministry  to  their  glorious  rest  in  heaven,  and  by  the  remo- 
val of  others  who  have  exchanged  their  fields  of  labor  ;  and 
while  the  friends  of  Zion  mourn  in  view  of  vacancies  thus 
made  on  the  walls  of  her  strength,  they  should  be  excited 
to  admiration  and  encouragement  that  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  holds  in  reserve  others  whom  he  has  designed  to 
fill  them.  This  design  has  been  accomplished  for  York. 
When  the  labors  of  Locke,  Eaton,  Lord,  Smith,  Tripp  and 
Roberts,  were  finished  on  earth,  others,  the  sons  of  the 
churches  whom  they  and  other  pastors,  nurtured,  are 
raised  up,  qualified,  and  sent  into  this  vineyard,  to  cultivate 
and  watch  over  it.  In  1830,  the  number  of  pastors  and 
isters  were  twenty-five  ;  in  1843,  twenty-six ;  nineteen 
of  whom  only  are  pastors. 

As  with  the  natural  world,  so  with  the  moral,  in  some 
interesting  respects.  While  some  parts  are  blessed  with 
copious  showers  and  fruitful  seasons,  other  parts  are 
parched  with  scorching  droughts  and  cursed  with  blighted 
harvests;  and  then  the  scene  reverses.  T)  e  barren  be- 
comes fruitful  and  the  luxuriant  becomes  sterile.  So  with 
spiritual  vineyards.  At  one  time,  blessings  of  heavenly 
grace  fall  upon  some  of  the  tender  plants,  can  sing  them  to 
yield  a  plentiful  increase  ;  while  others  seem  to  be  left  for 
a  season  to  wither  and  droop  under  the  pressure  of  a  cold 
and  cloudy  atmosphere.  And  then  the  cloud  of  mercy 
moves,  to  refresh  these  thirsty  hills  of  Zion.  The  reviv- 
ing and  saving  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  have  been  an- 
nually experienced  in  this  Association  ;  but  in  1831,  '32, 
'34,  39  and  '40,  they  were  most  copious  and  general 
among  the  churches,  when  large  accessions  were  made  to 


YORK  ASSOCIATION.  §3 

them  of  such  as  hope  to  be  saved,  and  the  friends  of  Zion 
sat  together  in  heavenly  places,  and  were  constrained  to 
shout  aloud  for  joy. 

The  benevolent  objects  which  began  to  receive  the 
attention  of  the  Association  previous  to  1830,  and  those 
which  have  subsequently  claimed  their  co-operation  con- 
tinue to  be  encouraged  by  these  friends  of  God  and  of  hu- 
manity. The  resolutions  almost  annually  passed  by  them, 
evince  the  spirit  and  feelings  they  cherish  towards  these 
causes.  We  notice  with  pleasure,  resolutions  on  Missions  ; 
Foreign,  Home  and  Domestic ;  on  Temperance ;  on  S. 
Schools ;  on  the  Observance  of  the  Sabbath ;  on  Institu- 
tions— Theological  and  literary ;  on  Periodicals  and  other 
publications;  on  Ministerial  Education;  on  Bible  Cause; 
on  Popery  ;  on  Slavery  ;  on  War  ;  on  Days  and  Objects 
of  Prayer  ;  on  the  Death  of  Ministers  ;  and  on  other  sub- 
jects immediately  connected  with  the  welfare  of  Zion  and 
the  spiritual  good  of  mankind,  passed  by  this  body,  thereby 
expressing  their  opinion,  desire  and  preferences  respecting 
these  objects  sever  illy. 

These  resolutions  «ntertain  the  subject  of  Missions  with 
deep  interest ;  recognize  total  abstinence  from  intoxicating 
drinks  as  the  sacred  duty  of  all  men,  and  especially  of 
Christians  ;  recommend  S.  Schools,  observance  of  the  Sab- 
bath, education  cf  the  ministry,  the  circulation  of  tracts, 
and  other  religious  publications,  and  the  bible  cause,  to 
the  prayerful  attention  and  aid  of  the  churches ;  urge  the 
importance  of  spending  the  seasons  set  apart  for  prayer  as 
the  nature  of  objects  to  be  prayed  for,  demand  ;  and 
regard  popery,  slavery  and  war,  as  most  serious  evils,  to  be 
deprecated  and  opposed. 

While  the  Baptists  in  this  country  promoted  the  welfare 
and  usefulness  of  Waterville  College  and  other  public  in- 
stitutions, without  the  limits  of  the  Association,  by  a  com- 


$4 


YORK  ASSOCIATION. 


mendabte  liberality,  they  did  not  forget  that  their  children 
at  home  required  more  enlarged  and  more  suitable  facili- 
ties for  an  academical  education  than  was  afforded  them 
by  the  common  school  system.  To  provide  means 
for  the  culture  of  their  minds,  an  academy  at  Kennebunk 
village  was  established  in  1834,  and  has  hitherto  been  sus- 
tained by  a  liberal  and  general  patronage  by  the  churches, 
and  exerts  a  respectable  and  useful  influence  on  the  sur- 
rounding community. 

It  deserves  to  be  remarked  here  that,  in  1830,  Baptist 
.churches  existed  in  twenty-one  towns  in  the  county  of 
York,  leaving  only  three,  Elliot,  Kittery  and  Biddeford, 
unoccupied  by  churches,  though  Baptist  professors  reside 
in,  at  least,  two  of  them.  These  towns  still  remain  with- 
out any  Baptist  organization. 

YORK  ASSOCIAT10N....TABULAR  VIEW. 


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SACO  RIVER  ASSOCIATION. 


85 


SACO  RIVER  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Association  embraces  seventeen  churches  in  this 
State,  The  histories  of  sixteen  of  these  have  already  been 
given.  The  church  in  Alfred  Gore,  consisting  of  fourteen 
members,  was  added  in  1844.  The  anniversary  that  year 
was  at  Kennebunk-port.  The  circular  letter  was  on  the 
importance  of  giving  our  youth  a  religious  education. 

'  Consider,'  says  this  letter,  '  the  importance  of  giving 
youth  a  religious  education.  There  is  on  their  part  an 
actual  demand  for  it.  They,  in  common  with  adults,  are 
subjects  of  physical,  intellectual  and  moral  wants.  '  o 
meet  the  actual  necessities  of  youth,  all  these  must  be  sup- 
plied. To  neglect  either,  is  to  impair  their  vigor.  To 
supply  their  physical  wants,  you  give  them  food  and  rai- 
ment. To  meet  their  intellectual,  yoa  provide  them  with 
books  and  teachers,  to  give  them  a  knowledge  of  the  arts 
and  sciences.  To  meet  their  moral  wants,  you  should  give 
them  a  knowledge  of  God.' 

SACO  RIVER  ASSOCIATION TABULAR  VIEW. 


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The  whole  number  of  members  reported  in  a  church,  may  be  greater  or 
less  than  the  reported  alterations  would  make — in  the  former  case,  the  sur- 
plus is  put  down  in  the  column  '  gained/  in  the  latter  case  the  deficiency  in 
the  column '  lost.'  6 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

CENTRAL  PARTS  OF  THE  STATE. 

Origin  of  Baptist  principles  in  this  part  of  the  State — first  Church  in  ifiesc 
parts  at  Bowdoinham — second  at  Tbomaston — third  at  Harpswell — firs! 
Association  in  these  parts,  formed  by  these  three  Churches  in  a  dwelling- 
house  in  the  town  of  Bowdoinham,  and  called  "  the  Bowdoinhara  Associ- 
ation." 

THAT  section  of  the  State  in  which  the  Baptists  next  be- 
gan to  operate  and  multiply,  was  along  the  western  side  of 
Kennebec  ;  and  soon  after,  they  commenced  progress  in 
the  eastern  part  of  what  is  now  Lincoln  County,  and  among 
the  people  in  the  new  settlements  along  the  western  shores 
of  Penobscot  Bay.  These  movements  were  began  soon 
after  Baptist  churches  first  commenced  operations  in  York 
County.  The  circumstances  which  opened  the  way  for  the 
Baptists  in  this  new  country  were  somewhat  singular  if  not 
mysterious,  and  as  interesting  as  singular.  As  in  almost 
every  part  of  the  State,  so  in  this,  the  Congregationalists 
had  planted  themselves  in  all  the  leading  settlements,  and 
most  flourishing  and  promising  towns.  But  God  had  in 
reserve  fields  and  opportunities  for  the  Baptists,  and  in  his 
own  time  and  by  his  own  wise  method,  did  he  open  these 
fields  to  them,  and  confer  these  opportunities. 

Considerable  settlements  were  made  along  the  shores  of 
the  Kennebec  and  Androscoggin  rivers,  previous  to  1770, 
but  in  the  more  interior,  they  were  commenced  at  later 
periods.  About  this  time  openings  in  the  forests  began  to 
appear,  where  are  now  Bowdoinham  and  Bowdoin,  and  the 
inhabitants  were  continually  removing  from  the  settlements 
along  the  rivers  to  those  commenced  in  the  interior.  A  few 
pious  families  were  among  the  first  to  commence  the  set- 
tlement called  Potterstown,  (now  Bowdoin.)  These  soon 


ELDER  JAMES  POTTER.  §7 

began  to  hold  regular  meetings  for  social  religious  wor- 
ship.* Having  no  minister,  they  spent  the  time  in  pious 
conversation,  prayer,  and  singing  praises  to  the  Lord.  These 
were  seasons  of  refreshment,  spiritual  and  heavenly  refresh- 
ment. 

In  January  1781,  Mr.  James  Potter,  whose  history  fills 
an  important  place  in  the  annals  of  the  early  Baptists  in 
this  part  of  the  State,  removed  with  his  family  from  Tops- 
ham  to  Bowdoin,  or  Potterstown.t  Mr.  P.  entertaining 
favorable  views  respecting  the  religion  of  Christ,  although 
not  pious  at  heart,  was  much  gratified  to  find  religious 
worship  maintained  in  this  new  settlement,  and  became  a 
constant  attendant  upon  these  seasons  of  devotion.  How 
interesting  to  a  pious  mind  to  trice  the  peculiar  means 
•which  are  employed  by  a  gracious  God  to  develope  his 
wise  designs  !  Mr.  Potter,  a  chosen  vessel  of  mercy,  was 
now  to  be  converted,  and  called  to  be  an  apostle  to  these 
inhabitants  in  the  wilderness.  And  these  social  meetings 
were  selected  as  the  important  means  to  bring  him  from 
the  love  of  sin  to  the  love  and  service  of  God.| 

Soon  after  Mr.  Potter  took  up  his  residence  in  Potters- 
town,  he  was  converted  by  the  grace  of  God,  and  became 
actively  engaged  in  the  cause  of  Christ.  His  prayers  and 
exhortations  gave  new  interest  to  these  social  meetings, 
and  added  to  their  influence.  He  began  to  feel  that  he 
ought  to  profess  Christ  publicly,  by  uniting  with  a  Chris- 
tian church.  He  therefore  united  with  a<  Congregational 
church  in  Harpswell ;  but  with  the  faith  and  practice  of 
this  church,  he  was  not  satisfied.  He  turned  his  attention 
wholly  to  the  Bible,  and  although  he  knew  nothing  of  the 
Baptists,  he  saw  clearly  that  the  immersion  of  believers 
only,  was  scripture  baptism.  He  says  that  '  he  saw  him- 
self, and  all  others  unbaptized,  who  were  not  baptized  by 
immersion  upon  a  profession  of  faith.'§ 
*Potter'i  Nar.  p.  7.  tPotter's  Narrative,  pp.  7,  8.  $P.  14.  $P.  14. 


gg  LABORS  OF  N.  LORD. 

Although  convinced  that  Pedo-baptism  and  sprinkling 
were  unscriptural  modes  of  baptism,  he  did  not  at  once 
separate  himself  from  the  churck  with  which  he  had  united ; 
but  immediately  without  the  usual  forms  of  qualification 
confered  by  the  church,  he  began  to  labor  for  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners.  Nor  did  he  labor  in  vain.  A  reformation 
commenced  in  Potterstown,  March  1782,  and  continued 
through  the  following  spring  and  summer.  During  this 
revival,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Lord,  of  Wells,  while  on  a  journey 
through  this  part  of  the  State,  and  who  was  the  first  Baptist 
preacher  whom  the  people  had  ever  seen  or  heard,  visited 
and  preached  two  discourses  to  the  people  in  Potterstown. 
His  preaching  was  to  these  thirsty  disciples  as  the  pure 
waters  of  life.  '  After  the  service  was  over,'  says  Mr.  Pot- 
ter, he  went  out  and  sat  down  with  about  fifty  young 
Christians  around  him,  and  we  did  rejoice  and  praise  God 
together.'  Mr.  Potter,  with  no  uncommon  interest  and 
emotion,  says  to  Rev.  Mr.  Lord,  that  he  had  learned  '  that 
he  was  a  Baptist.'  Mr.  L.  replied,  that  he  was.  Mr.  Pot- 
ter, after  requesting  him  not  to  relate  his  peculiar  senti- 
ments, wished  the  privilege  of  stating  to  him  his  own  views 
of  the  gospel  and  gospel  ordinances,  as  he  was  called  a 
Baptist,  and  that  after  hearing  his  statements,  he  desired 
him  to  decide  whether  he  was  a  Baptist  or  not.  His 
wishes  were  granted,  and  after  Mr.  Potter  had  related  his 
views,  Mr.  Lord  informed  him  that  '  if  he  believed  what  he 
had  told  him,  he  was  one,  for  he  told  all  that  they  believe 
and  hold.'*  From  this  time  Mr.  Potter  began  to  travel  and 
preach  Christ  to  the  people  in  the  different  surrounding 
settlements  and  towns.  He  was  beloved  by  the  people,  and 
received  earnest  solicitations  from  almost  every  place  in 
this  then  new  country.  And  his  ministry  was  blessed  to 
the  conversion  of  many  souls,  which  became  the  spiritual 
"Potter's  Narrative,  p,  17. 


ELDER  I.  CASE.  g9 

germs,  where  have  originated  several  flourishing  Baptist 
churches. 

His  peculiar  views  upon  gospel  ordinances,  however 
brought  down  upon  him  the  anathamas  of  the  Congrega- 
tional clergy,  who  considered  the  introduction  of  Baptist 
sentiments  as  opening  the  way  for  a  rapid  spread  of  hetero- 
doxy, which  would  fill  the  country  with  strange  delusions. 
Mr.  Potter  was  frequently  interrogated  respecting  the 
soundness  of  his  principles,  the  genuineness  of  his  motives, 
and  by  what  authority  he  preached  the  gospel.  1783, 
however,  Mr.  Potter  intimates  that  their  opposition  began 
to  be  more  moderate*,  or  to  use  his  own  language,  '  some 
of  them  began  to  be  more  friendly.'  In  this  way  Mr.  Pot- 
ter toiled  on  in  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  till 
Oct.  1783,  when  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  in  great  compas- 
sion, sent  to  his  assistance  Rev.  Isaac  Case,  of  Rehoboth., 
Mass.t  Never  were  the  labors  of  a  preacher,  or  his  com- 
ing more  timely.  Converts  were  multiplying  as  the  fruits 
of  special  revivals  in  many  places,  and  for  want  of  a  proper 
administrator,  they  sighed  in  vain  for  the  ordinances  of 
the  gospel.  When  Mr.  Case  came  into  this  section  of 
Maine,  the  field  therefore  was  *  already  white  to  the  har- 
vest,' and  he  began  immediately  to  gather  in  the  precious 
fruits. 

Mr.  Case  arrived  at  Brunswick,  Oct.  21,  1783.  Being 
an  entire  stranger,  he  tarried  that  night  at  a  public  house. 
The  next  morning,  on  inquiring  for  some  pious  persons  on 
whom  he  might  call,  he  was  directed  to  the  dwelling  of  a 
Mr.  Woodard.  Mr.  W.  and  wife  being  pious,  gave  him  a 
cheering  welcome.  At  their  request,  Mr.  Case  preached 
at  their  house  in  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  the  same 
day,  and  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day  he  preached  at  the 
dwelling-house  of  Mr.  Samuel  Getchell.  These  opportuni- 
*Potter's  Nar.  p.  18.  fMr.  Case's  Jour. 


QO  ELDER  I.  CASE. 

ties  gave  Mr.  Case  a  faTorable  introduction,  and  prepared 
the  way  for  his  subsequent  reception  in  the  neighboring 
settlements.* 

There  being  some  revival  then  in  progress  on  Sabasde- 
gan  Island,  in  Harpswell,  he  went  to  that  place,  where  he 
saw  the  power  and  love  of  God  displayed  in  the  conversion 
of  sinners.      On  the  evening  of  the  23d  of  October,  he 
preached  his  first  sermon  on  the  Island,  and  to  use  his  own 
description  of  the  meeting,  '  the  Lord  poured  forth  the 
effusions  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  sighs,  groans  and  tears  were 
among  the  people.'     Several  persons  were  awakened  to  see 
their  lost  condition  by  nature ;  among  whom   were   two 
brothers,  Isaac  and  Ephraim  Hall,  who  were  subsequently 
made  joyful  in  i  pe,  and  became  useful  ministers  in  the 
Baptist  churches.     These  were  the  first  '  seals'  of  the  min- 
istry of  Mr.  Case  in  Maine.t     Oct.  25,  in  compliance  with 
the  earnest  solicitation  of  a  pious  female,  whose  heart  was 
filled  with  the  love  of  God,  and  compassion  for  perishing 
sinners,  Mr.  Case  left  the  Island,  and  made  the  people  in 
Potterstown  a  visit.     At  a  place  called  the  '  New  Mead- 
ows,' he  met  Mr.  Potter.    Here  these  two  holy  men  formed 
an  interesting  and  religious  acquaintance — interesting  to 
Mr.  Case  to  find  a  fellow-laborer  in  this  wide-spread  mis- 
sionary field,  and  most  cheering  to  Mr.  Potter  to  receive  so 
spiritual  and  devoted  an  associate  in  the  good  and  abundant 
work  before  them.     After  spending  the  day  and  evening 
with  Mr.  Potter  and  the  people  at  Potterstown,  Mr.  Case, 
with  Mr.  Potter,  returned  to  the  Island.     On  the  following 
Sabbath,  they  not  having  made  arrangement  for  a  meeting, 
attended  at  the  Congregational  meeting-house,  and  Mr. 
Case  preached  in  the  afternoon.      But,  says  Mr.  Case,  we 
'  being  received  rather  coolly,'  met  in  the  evening  whom- 
soever were  disposed  to  attend  at  the  dwelling-house  of  a 

*Mr.  Cast's  Jour.        |Mr.  C't  Jour. 


FIRST  BAPTISM  BY  MR.  CASE.  91 

Mr.  Purington.  The  work  on  the  Island  was  general.  On 
visiting,  says  Mr.  C.  *  in  almost  every  family  some  were 
weeping  in  the  bitterness  of  their  souls,  others  rejoicing  in 
hope,' 

October  29th,  Mr,  Case  visited  Georgetown  (how  Bath) 
where  the  labors  of  Mr.  Potter  had  been  blessed  to  the 
conversion  of  souls,  and  for  several  weeks  he  went  from 
place  to  place,  and  from  house  to  house,  preaching,  exhort- 
ing and  praying,  and  '  the  hand  of  the  Lord  went  with  him.1 
If  opposition  arose,  he  heeded  it  not, 

November  4th,  Mr.  Case  administered  the  ordinance  of 
baptism  to  a  female,  on  the  Island,  which  was  the  first 
instance  of  baptism  by  Mr.  Case  in  Maine,  and  the  first 
administered  by  any  Baptist  cast  of  the  town  of  Gorham. 
About  this  time  a  Rev.  Mr.  Randall,  the  celebrated  Free- 
wilier,  came  to  the  Island  and  labored  with  success  a  short 
time.  Mr.  Case  spent  about  three  months  in  this  section, 
uniting  his  labors  with  Mr.  Potter;  during  which  he  visit- 
ed most  of  the  settlements  in  this  vicinity,  preaching  to 
the  people,  and  baptized  many  converts* 

From  an  impression  of  duty,  Mr.  Case  left  these  settle- 
ments in  January  1784,  and  directed  his  way  eastward. 
He  felt  that  the  Lord  had  a  special  work  for  him  to  do  in 
that  direction.  His  convictions  were  confirmed  when  he 
arrived  at  New  Castle.  '  Here,'  says  he,  '  I  received  evi- 
dence that  my  convictions  of  duty  to  go  eastward  were  of 
the  Lord.'  i  ,<•  circumstance  was  this— <-at  this  place  he 
met  two  messengers  from  Thomaston,  who  were  on  their 
way  to  Sabasdegan,  to  invite  him  to  '  come  over  nd  help 
them.'  He  proceeded  forthwith,  as  Peter  went  to  the 
house  of  Cornelius,  to  Thomaston,  where  he  found  the 
people  prepared  to  receive  the  word  of  the  Lord.  Mr.  Case, 
on  his  arrival,  found  a  few  pious  souls  who  had  been  spend- 

*Mr.  Case's  Journal. 


93  MR.  CASE'S  FIRST  VISIT  TO  THOMASTOST. 

ing  that  very  day  in  fasting  and  prayer  in  view  of  his  com- 
ing. Thus  the  way  of  the  Lord  was  prepared.  On  the 
31st  of  January,  he  preached  his  first  sermon  in  Thomas- 
ton,  which  was  the  opening  of  a  new  era  in  the  religious 
state  and  'character  of  the  town,  it  being  Messed  to  the 
awakening  of  three  persons  to  a  sense  of  their  rebellious 
character  against  God,  and  lost  condition  in  sin.  A  most 
glorious  and  extensive  revival  of  religion  was  the  immediate 
result  of  these  movements.* 

A  wide  and  extensive  field  for  gospel  labor  was  now 
open  before  Mr.  Case.  He  therefore  made  Thomaston  his 
place  of  residence,  where  he  remained  about  eight  years, 
preaching  in  that  and  in  the  adjoining  towns,  settlements, 
and  on  the  Islands  in  Penobscot  Bay  ;  while  Mr.  Potter 
remained  in  the  vicinity  of  Kennebec,  travelling  and  preach- 
ing in  the  new  settlements,  which  were  annually  multiply- 
ing in  the  interior  of  the  State.  Many  were  the  obstacles 
which  these  servants  of  the  Lord  had  to  overcome.  The 
country  was  new,  roads  were  bad,  or  no  roads  at  all.  They 
had  therefore  to  travel  on  foot,  or  on  horse-back,  to  carry 
the  word  of  life  to  the  destitute,  and  in  many  instances 
opposition,  slander,  and  ridicule  tried  their  patience  and 
fortitude. 

The  weapons  which  the  enemies  now  wielded  against 
the  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the  State,  were  in  some  res- 
pects unlike  those  which  were  applied  against  them  in  York 
County.  To  prevent  their  increase,  every  attempt  was 
made  in  almost  every  place  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  the 
people  against  them.  '  Ignorant  Fanatics,'  '  Bigoted  Bap- 
tists,' '  New-Lights,'  '  Close  Communicants.,'  etc.,  were  no 
uncommon  epithets.  Irony,  slander,  and  reproaches  were 
heaped  upon  them.t  No  wonder  they  considered  them- 
selves as  the  sect  '  every  where  spoken  against.'  But  con- 

*ftlr.  Case's  Jour.        fMr.  C's  Jour. 


BOWDOINHAM  CHURCH.  93 

ecious  that  they  were  not  persecuted  for  impious  motives, 
or  evil  deeds,  but  for  righteousness'  sake,  they  rejoiced  and 
persevered.  When  reviled,  they  reviled  not  again. 

As  the  history  of  the  several  churches  will  embody  most 
of  the  incidents  and  particular  circumstances  important  to 
the  history  of  these  early  movements,  we  shall  proceed  to 
give  in  brief  narrative  and  order  of  time,  as  they  were  or- 
ganized, their  history  severally,  and  shall  commence  with 
the  chare  i 

BOWDOINHAM.  The  first  Baptist  church  in  Bowdoinham 
was  constituted  on  the  th  of  May,  1784.*  This  church 
owes  its  origin  to  a  revival  experienced  in  this  town,  under 
the  labors  of  Mr.  James  Potter  in  1782;  at  which  time 
there  were  no  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the  State,  nor  had  Mr. 
Potter  or  the  people  ever  seen  or  heard  one  of  their 
preachers ;  and  there  being  no  church  of  any  faith  in  the 
vicinity,  these  disciples  remained  without  the  ordinances 
of  the  gospel  and  church  privileges.  Between  this  time 
and  the  organization  of  the  church,  Rev.  N.  Lord,  of 
Wells,  Rev.  Simon  Locke,  of  Lyman,  Rev.  I.  Case,  and 
Job  Macomber,  preached  occasionally  to  them,  by  whose 
ministry  they  were  instructed  and  comforted.  They  had 
no  particular  trials  to  endure,  and  no  persecution.  Mr. 
Case  visited  Bowdoinham,  in  November  1783,  and  on  the 
24th  day  of  that  month  he  baptized  six  persons,  who  were 
the  first  to  receive  the  ordinance  in  this  place.  Mr.  Case 
relates  the  following  instance  as  connected  with  this  bap- 
tismal season.  After  baptizing  five  persons  who  had  been 
previously  received  as  candidates,  a  woman  came  forward 
to  the  water  and  desired  baptism.  She  was  informed  that 
if  she  believed  in  Christ  with  all  her  heart,  she  might. 
She  then  related  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  her  soul, 
which  relation  evinced  that  she  had  experienced  a  work  of 

*Syms  Gardner  of  2d  Cb. 
6* 


94  BOWDOINHAM  CHURCH. 

renewing  and  saving  grace,  and  consequently  she  was  re- 
ceived as  a  proper  subject  of  baptism.  While  preparing  to 
go  '  down  into  the  water,'  her  husband  came  forward  filled 
with  anger  and  great  rage,  and  threatened  to  kill  himself 
if  his  wife  was  baptized.  The  husband  was  warned  of  his 
guilt  and  danger,  and  the  wife  was  baptized,  and  instead 
of  suicide,  the  man  was  slain  by  the  law  of  God,  and  then 
made  alive  by  the  blood  of  Christ.*  Others  were  subse- 
quently baptized,  and  thus  the  foundation  was  laid  for  a 
church.  The  church  being^formed,  a  central  point  of  in- 
fluence was  created,  and  a  home  provided  for  the  converts 
in  the  vicinity.  About  the  time  the  church  was  constituted, 
Mr.  Job  Macomber,  from  Middleborough,  Mass.,  who  had 
previously  taken  up  his  residence  in  Bowdoinham,  became 
a  member,  and  was  ordained  as  its  first  pastor  in  August 
of  the  same  year.  As  there  was  no  convenient  place  pro- 
vided for  the  ordination,  a  stage  was  erected  under  the 
open  canopy  of  heaven,  on  which  he  was  set  apart  for  the 
great  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Rev.  I. 
Case  preached  on  the  occasion,  and  Rev.  Simon  Locke, 
participated  in  the  exercises. 

Elder  Macomber  discharged  the  duties  of  pastor  till 
1810,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Daniel  Pierson,  one  of 
its  members,  who  was  ordained  May  9,  1810.  Elder  P. 
continued  with  this  church  till  a  second  church  in  Bowdoin- 
ham was  constituted,  when  he  resigned  his  charge  of  the 
first  church  and  became  pastor  of  the  second.  Twenty-nine 
were  now  dismissed  from  this  church,  which  left  it  small, 
feeble  and  destitute  of  a  pastor.t  Although  blessed  with  oc- 
casional revival  visitations,  its  numbers  never  exceeded  six- 
ty-eight, and  it  was  now  reduced  to  a  total  of  twenty-four. 
Rev.  Elihu  Purington,  from  Topsham,  became  a  member 
in  1818,  and  subsequent  to  the  resignation  of  Eld.  Pierson, 

*Rev.  Mr.  Case's  journal.    fSyms  Gardner,  of  2d  Ch. 


THOMASTON  CHURCH.  95 

administered  to  the  church  though  not  as  pastor.  Remain- 
ing destitute  of  a  pastor's  care,  it  did  not  obtain  much 
prosperity ;  and  influenced  by  a  high  tone  of  Antinomian 
faith,  in  1840  it  withdrew  its  connection  from  the  Bow- 
doinham  Association,  of  which  it  was  one  of  the  original 
members.*  It  was  never  able,  (or  disposed)  to  provide 
for  its  own  accommodation  a  house  of  worship,  and  being 
opposed  to  the  general  movements  of  benevolent  associa- 
tions, it  has  never  done  much  for  the  general  interests  of 
Zion,  or  the  cause  of  humanity. t  Thus  has  waned  the 
first  light  enkindled  in  this  new  wilderness. 

THOMASTON,  now  known  by  the  name  of  TIRST  THOM- 
ASTON.' This  was  the  second  Baptist  church  constituted 
east  of  the  York  Association,  and  the  first  east  of  the 
Kennebec  river.  Thomaston  is  in  the  eastern  part  of  Lin- 
coln county.  The  first  settlement  here  was  commenced 
about  1741,  and  between  this  time  and  1756,  some  efforts 
were  made  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Rutherford  to  establish  the 
Congregational  principles,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  he 
succeeded.  He  died  in  October,  1756.  There  was  no 
church  formed  here  of  any  faith  previous  to  the  gathering 
of  the  Baptist  church  by  Rev.  I.  Case,  in  17844  Previous 
to  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Case  in  January  of  that  year,  a  few 
pious  persons  lived  in  the  town  who  sighed  over  the  spirit- 
ual condition  of  the  people.  When  Mr.  Case  came,  he 
was  made  welcome  by  many  joyful  hearts,  and  especially 
by  Mr.  Brown  and  family,  with  whom  he  first  tarried.  The 
anxiety  expressed  that  he  would  remain  and  preach  to  the 
people  were  to  Mr. Case,  favorable  indications  for  good  ;  and 
the  first  sermon  which  he  preached  being  blessed  to  the  awa- 
kening of  three  persons,  strengthened  his  hope  that  his  labor 
would  not  be  in  vain.  The  next  day,  (Sabbath)  he  preached 
at  the  dwelling  house  of  Mr.  Oliver  Robbins,  whose  wife 
*Min.  B.  A.  1850.  fSyms  Gardner  of  2d  Ch.  Jfireen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  172, 


96  THOMASTON  CHURCH. 

was  the  only  pious  Baptist  to  be  found  in  all  this  eastern 
country.*  Another  person  was  awakened  at  this  meeting, 
and  thus  commenced  the  special  season  of  mercy  which 
became  general  in  Thomaston,  and  which  spread  into 
several  surrounding  neighborhoods.  Many  souls  were 
soon  converted  to  God,  and  some  who  had  strayed  like  the 
prodigal,  were  reclaimed,  among  whom  was  Mr.  Elisha 
Snow,  whose  name  is  remembered  especially  in  all  the 
churches  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  Mr.  Snow  im- 
mediately entered  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  and  was 
eminently  useful  in  the  work  till  he  was  eighty  years  of 
age.  He  died  in  his  ninety-third  year. 

Frequent  seasons  for  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer, 
were  among  the  most  efficient  means  which  promoted  the 
rogress  of  this  revival.  The  first  baptismal  season  was  on 
the  26th  of  Feb.,  when  Mr.  Case  baptized  fifteen  converts. 
This  season  is  still  remembered  as  one  of  great  mercy  and 
joy.  March  12th,  eighteen  more  received  the  precious 
ordinance.  The  work  now  became  more  powerful  and 
glorious,  in  view  of  which  Mr.  Case  exclaims,  '  'Tis  won- 
derful to  see  God's  work  among  poor  sinners;  and  we  may 
stand  still  and  see  the  salvation  of  God.'  In  April,  twenty- 
five  more  happy  converts  embraced  baptism  with  rejoicing ; 
and  in  May  23,  six  others. 

The  foundation  being  now  laid,  and  suitable  materials 
prepared  for  a  Baptist  church  in  this  far  eastern  settlement, 
it  was  believed  to  be  duty  to  bring  them  together.  Con- 
sequently on  the  27th  day  of  May,  1784,  the  disciples  of 
Jesus  in  Thomaston,  assembled  in  the  barn  of  Mr.  Oliver 
Robbins,  voted  Eld.  Case  Moderator,  and  Samuel  Brown 
Clerk.  They  then  voluntarily  gave  themselves  to  each 
other  in  solemn  covenant  and  church  relation,  and  received 
the  hand  of  Fellowship  from  the  Moderator  as  a  church  of 

*Mr.  Case's  Jour. 


THOMASTON  CHURCH.  97 

Christ  in  gospel  order.  The  same  day,  fourteen  were  bap- 
tized, three  of  whom  were  added  to  the  church,  making 
fifty  in  all ;  forty-seven  constituting  the  original  number  ; 
and,  on  the  30th,  the  church  celebrated  the  '  Lord's  Sup- 
per' for  the  first  time.  Rev.  Mr.  Case  was  now  joyfully 
received  as  the  pastor  of  the  church,  who  continued  his 
ministry  with  them  about  eight  years,  when  he  removed  to 
another  field.*  The  original  members  of  this  church  at 
this  time  were  not  all  fruits  of  the  extensive  revival  in  this 
place.  Under  the  labors  of  Messrs.  Case  and  Snow,  disci- 
ples had  been  multiplied  in  other  places,  wherever  they  had 
travelled  and  preached.  In  Camden,  Warren,  St.  George, 
Damariscotta,  on  Deer  Island,  Long  Island,  Fox  Island, 
Isle  Haut,  converts  had  been  gathered  to  Christ.  In  May 
1787,  persons  had  become  pious  by  means  of  their  labors, 
and  had  been  brought  into  connection  and  fellowship,  and 
under  the  watchcare  of  the  church  in  Thomaston,  from 
Ballstown,  (Jefferson,)  N.  Castle,  Nobleboro',  Waldoboro', 
Friendship,  Gushing, Warren,  Union,  Camden,  Castine  and 
Fox  Island  ;  so  that  at  this  time  this  church  embraced  a 
territory  in  extent  more  than  30  miles.  About  this  time 
a  serious  trial  disturbed  the  peace  of  the  members  in  Thom- 
aston ;  the  cause  of  which  was  lodged  in  the  bosom  of  the 
church,  which  resulted  in  a  painful  rending  of  the  body. 
Thirty-four  members  were  excommunicated  Sept.  1790, 
among  whom  was  the  Clerk  of  the  church,  who  refused  to 
deliver  up  the  records  to  the  church.  But,  says  Eld.  Case, 
'  the  building  was  of  God,  it  therefore  withstood  the  storm.' 
The  origin  of  the  trial  and  division  arose  with  a  difference 
of  opinion  respecting  the  doctrine  of  Atonement,  between 
Mr.  Snow  and  S.  Brown. 

In  the  spring  of  1792,  Rev.  Mr.  Case  resigned  his  pas- 
toral care  of  the  church,  and  was  succeeded  in  1794  in  the 

*Mr.  Case's  journal,  and  com.  of  Rev.  L.  B.  Allen,  pastor,  1842. 


98  THOMASTON  CHURCH. 

pastoral  office  by  Rev.  E.  Snow ;  since  which  the  church 
has  enjoyed  the  faithful  labors  of  a  succession  of  worthy 
pastors,  by  whose  ministry  they  have  experienced  several 
pleasing  and  fruitful  revivals.  In  1795,  by  Eld.  Snow's 
labors,  the  church  was  revived,  and  made  to  forget  in  part 
its  former  affliction.  But  this  refreshing  was,  to  the  more 
wonderful  work  of  divine  grace  and  mercy  which  appeared 
in  1808,  as  the  '  former'  is  to  the  '  latter'  rain,  when  one 
hundred  and  forty-eight  additions  by  baptism  cheered  and 
encouraged  the  church.  Revivals  were  experienced  in 
1811,  when  fifty  were  added;  1815,  fifty  added;  1824, 
Eld.  S.  Fogg,  pastor,  twenty  added ;  1831  and  '32,  Rev. 
A.  Kalloch,  pastor,  sixty-nine  added  ;  1842  and  '43,  Rev. 
L.  B.  Allen,  pastor,  sixty-seven  added.*  These  are  among 
the  special  and  peculiar  blessings  which  this  church  has 
received  from  God.  But  many  trials  at  different  times  have 
afflicted  the  church.  One  we  have  described.  A  second 
commenced  with  the  instability  of  Samuel  Baker,  who  had 
left  the  Methodist  connexion  and  united  with  the  Baptist 
church  in  T.,  and  was  ordained  colleague  pastor  to  Elder 
Snow  in  1808.  As  is  frequently  the  case  with  such  as 
hastily  change  their  doctrinal  views,  he  made  shipwreck 
concerning  the  faith,  and  was  excluded  from  the  denomi- 
nation in  1813,  for  preaching  the  unscriptural  and  skepti- 
cal doctrines  of  Universalists.  Since  that  time,  the  church 
has  been  much  annoyed  and  perplexed  by  his  changes. 
Upon  his  apparent  humble  repentance  and  sincere  confes- 
sion of  his  erroneous  views  and  practices,  he  was  restored 
to  the  confidence  and  fellowship  of  the  church,  March  7, 
1813,  and  on  the  24th  day  of  the  same  month,  and  for  simi- 
lar offences,  was  again  excluded.  In  this  way,  and  for 
similar  reasons,  Mr.  Baker  has  been  excluded  and  restored 
again  and  again,  till  but  a  small  degree  of  confidence  in 
his  integrity  is  felt  by  any. 
*Com.  Rev.  L.  B.  Allen — Rev.  I.  Case's  journal— Lincoln  Asso.  Alin. 


CHURCH  IN  HARPS  WELL.  99 

Several  members  of  this  ancient  church  have  become 
ministers.  Elish-i  Snow,  ordained  at  Harpswell ;  Tristram 
Jordan,  ordained  in  the  church,  1808,  (June  5) ;  Thomas 
Merrill,  received  as  a  licensed  preacher  from  the  Congre- 
gationalists ;  and  Isaac  Bridges,  licensed  January  24, 
1812.  And  the  following  churches  owe  their  existence, 
in  part,  to  dismissions  from  this ; — Gushing,  Fox  Island, 
West  Thomaston,  Appleton,  and  3d  Thomaston.  It  has 
existed  fifty-nine  years.  The  whole  number  of  persons  who 
have  belonged  to  it  is  seven  hundred  and  five.  Present 
number,  1843,  is  two  hundred  and  eight.* 

HARPSWELL,  now  "  EAST  BRUNSWICK."  Harpswell,  or 
Harpswell  neck,  is  a  strip  of  land  at  the  mouth,  and  along 
the  western  side  of  Kennebec  river.  It  was  settled  at  an 
early  period  in  the  history  of  Maine,  and  was  soon  occu- 
pied by  the  Congregationalists,  and  became  a  district 
Parish  to  that  denomination  in  1750,t  and  soon  after  a 
church  of  that  faith  was  organized.  Connected  with  this 
parish  was  the  large  Island,  called  "  Sabasdegan,"  on 
which  resided  a  considerable  number  of  inhabitants,  who 
were  also  under  the  influence  of  a  Pedo-baptist  faith. 
Baptist  principles  were  unknown  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Harpswell,  till  proclaimed  on  this  Island  by  Rev.  Isaac 
Case  and  Mr.  Potter,  who  first  visited  this  people  in  1783. 
In  the  course  of  two  or  three  months,  Mr.  Case  preached 
twenty-five  sermons  on  the  Island,  which  were  blessed  to 
the  conversion  of  many  souls,  several  of  whom  he  baptized. 
Mr.  James  Potter  was  an  efficient  co-laborer  with  him  in 
this  work.  Some  opposition  was  manifested,  and,  Mr. 
Case  says  he  was  treated  '  rather  coolly"  by  Mr.  Samuel 
Eaton,  the  Congregationalist  preacher  in  Harpswell.  But 
opposition  '  was  overruled  to  the  furtherance  of  the  cause, 
rather  than  to  check  its  progress.'  During  the  year  of '84, 

*Rev.  L.  B.  Allen,  Com.  and  Mis*.  L.  A.    fGreen.  Eccl.  History,  p.  68 


100  CHURCH  IN  HARPSWELL. 

Mr.  Potter  preached  to  the  comfort  and  instruction  of  these 
baptized  disciples  and  their  friends,  and  their  number 
slowly  increased.  On  the  19th  of  January,  1785,  a  church 
was  organized  on  this  Island,  by  Rev.  I.  Case,  and  Rev. 
J.  Macomber,  consisting  of  thirty-one  members.  These 
original  members  resided  in  Harpswell,  Bath,  Brunswick 
and  Bowdoin.  This  was  another  refuge  for  the  Baptist 
disciples  scattered  in  this  new  and  broken  country.* 

A  short  time  after  the  organization  of  this  church,  Mr. 
Potter  was  baptized,  and  united  with  it  ;  and  on  the  5th 
of  October,  1785,  he  was  ordained  by  Messrs.  Case  and 
Macomber,  as  an  evangelist,  but  was  soon  called  and  ac- 
cepted the  pastoral  charge  of  this  church.  Mr.  Case 
preached  the  sermon  from,  '  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always,' 
&c.  Elder  P.  continued  the  acceptable  pastor  till  the 
church  was  constituted  in  Bowdoin,  1788,  when  he  resign- 
ed his  care  of  the  church  in  Harpswell,  and  took  charge 
of  that  in  Bowdoin.  It  does  not  appear  that  this  church 
was  increased  much  during  its  infant  state.  Something 
more  than  twenty  were  added,  however,  to  it  during  the 
continuance  of  Mr.  P.'s  ministry  with  them.  About  the 
time  that  Mr.  Potter  retired  from  the  church,  Elisha  Snow, 
of  Thomaston,  became  a  member,  was  ordained  in  1790, 
and  continued  their  minister  about  two  years.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Samuel  Woodard,  of  Brunswick,  who 
was  ordained  at  his  own  house,  October  11.  1792.  Rev. 
Samuel  Mariner,  another  of  its  members,  upon  the  resigna- 
tion of  Elder  Woodard,  was  called  to  the  pastoral  office, 
by  ordination,  January,  1802.  Elder  Mariner  was  pastor 
till  his  death,  1832,  a  period  of  about  thirty  years.  These 
pastors  became  members  of  the  church  previous  ta  their 
ordinations,  so  that  it  may  be  said  truly,  that  God  raised  up 
in  the  church  its  own  pastors  and  teachers. 

*Rev.  I.  Case's  Journal,  and  Min.  C.  A.  and  B.  A. 


ORIGIN  OF  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION.  101 

Since  the  revival  in  1783,  this  church  and  people  have 
been  blessed  with  four  precious  and  refreshing  seasons 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  In  1798,  Elder  Wood- 
ard,  pastor  ;  in  1816,  Eld.  Mariner,  pastor,  and  in  '34  and 
40.  From  thedeath  of  Eld.  Mariner,  the  church  has  been 
destitute  of  a  pastor,  but  its  pulpit  has  been  supplied  the 
most  of  the  time,  by  the  successive  ministry  of  Elders  S. 
Owen,  H.  Kendall,  D.  Pierce,  Wm.  Johnson,  J.  Butler 
and  N.  Hooper.* 

This  church  has  had  several  names.  First,  '  Harps- 
well  ;'  second,  1834,  '  Harpswell  and  Brunswick  ;'  and 
third,  '  East  Brunswick,'  its  present  name.  By  a  dismis- 
sion of  members,  this  church  has  aided  in  the  building  up 
of  several  others  in  the  vicinity,  but  how  many  and  what, 
we  have  no  means  to  determine. 

Although  opposition  has  always  marked  its  pilgrim  age,  it 
has,  nevertheless,  usually  experienced  a  pleasing  prosperity. 
The  whole  number  gathered  into  this  fold  from  ts  com- 
mencement to  1843,  is  about  two  hundred,  and  it  has  a 
present  total  of  eighty-three  members. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ORIGIN  OF  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION. 

THE  three  churches  before  described,  increasing  in 
numbers,  power  and  influence,  and  Baptists  rapidly  multi- 
plying in  the  new  settlements  in  every  direction  around 
these  central  points  of  gospel  light,  encouraged  the  belief 
that  the  prospect  was  brightening,  that  other  churches 
would  soon  arise  to  co-operate  in  the  general  work  of  evan- 
gelizing the  whole  State.  It  was  deemed,  therefore,  not 
only  expedient,  but  even  the  duty  of  these  churches,  to 
commence  holding  annual  meetings,  in  which  all  the 
*Rev.  I.  Case's  Journal  and  Win.  B.  A.  and  C.  A. 


102  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION. 

churches  might  associate,  and  deliberate  upon  things  rela- 
ting to  their  own  welfare,  and  the  prosperity  of  Zion  in 
general.  These  views,  and  the  feelings  of  fraternal  love 
and  interest  which  dwelt  in  the  hearts  of  these  early  Bap- 
tists, originated  the  '  Bowdoinham  Association,'  which 
was  organized  at  the  dwelling  house  of  Rev.  Job  Macom- 
ber,  in  Bowdoinham,  on  the  24th  day  of  May,  1787.  This 
meeting  was  composed  of  delegates  from  the  three  church- 
es, Bowdoinham,  Thomaston,  and  Harpswell ;  and  with 
their  pastors,  Elders  I.  Case,  J.  Potter,  and  J.  Macomber. 
It  was  organized  by  choosing  Elder  Case,  Moderator,  and 
Ebenezer  Kinsman,  Clerk.  Rev.  J.  Potter  preached  the 
first  sermon,  from  Luke  5  :  34,  35  ;  and  E.  Kinsman  pre- 
sented a  circular  Letter.  This  was  a  memorable  day  to 
the  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the  State.  Being  but  few  in 
number,  (as  the  entire  number  of  Baptists  represented  in 
this  meeting  was  183  only,)  and  in  the  midst  of  a  rapidly 
growing  population,  and  an  increasing  Baptist  community, 
it  became  important  that  every  measure  adopted,  every 
sentiment  expressed,  and  every  motive  professed,  should 
be  according  to  gospel  love,  truth,  and  righteousness ;  and 
that  every  precedent  established  should  be  such  as  all  the 
churches  and  Associations  which  might  afterwards  arise, 
could  follow  with  safety  and  delight.  In  the  course  of  bus- 
iness, the  Association  adopted  a  summary  of  doctrinal 
articles,  which  constitute  the  foundation,  yea,  which  em- 
body the  very  soul  and  spirit  of  the  articles  of  Faith  and 
Covenant  now  universally  adopted  by  the  denomination 
throughout  the  state.  Our  churches  and  Associations  have 
not  indeed  clothed  these  sentiments  all  in  the  same  dress, 
or  used  the  same  language,  yet  their  doctrines  and  practic- 
es, so  far  as  we  are  able  to  discover,  are  essentially  the  same. 
The  design  of  this  movement  is  also  expressed  on  this 
occasion,  and  recorded  for  the  perusal  of  the  churches. 


BOWDOINHAM    ASSOCIATION.  1Q3 

The  document  to  which  we  refer  reads  thus  :  '  In  asso- 
ciating ourselves  we  disclaim  all  pretensions  to  the  least 
control  on  the  independence  of  particular  churches ;  our 
main  design  is  to  establish  a  medium  of  communication 
relative  to  the  general  state  of  religion ; — recommend  such 
measures; — give  such  advice; — and,  render  such  assis- 
tance as  shall  be  thought  most  conducive  to  the  advance- 
ment, peace  and  enlargement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
n  the  w  rid.' 

Two  measures  in  particular  were  then  adopted  to  promote 
the  objects  contemplated  in  this  design.  Besides  the 
requirment  of  an  annual  epistle  from  each  of  the  churches, 
it  provided  that  '  a  sermon  shall  be  preached  at  the  com- 
mencement of  each  annual  meeting,  calculated  to  bring 
into  view  the  expediency  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the 
destitute,  at  the  close  of  which  a  contribution  shall  be 
taken  for  that  purpose ;'  and  secondly,  '  a  circular  shall 
be  addressed  annually  to  the  churches  containing  something 
profitable  for  doctrine,  reproof,  correction,  righteousness ; 
and,  also,  a  letter  of  correspondence  to  those  Associations 
with  whom  correspondence  is  maintained.' 

Upon  the  question  whether  it  was  agreeable  to  truth  and 
the  example  of  Christ  and  his  Apostles  to  receive  unbap- 
tized  persons  to  the  '  Lord's  Supper,'  or  allow  any  person 
or  member,  to  receive  that  privilege,  who  will  commune 
with  such,  the  important  decision  was  made  by  vote  at  this 
meeting,  '  that  it  is  not  agreeable.'  Of  the  meeting  of  this 
body  in  1788,  there  are  no  records.  It  held  its  session 
that  year  in  Harpswell.  The  next  year,  (1789,)  the  Asso- 
ciation met  a  Ballstcwn,  now  Whitefield,  with  an  addition 
of  three  new  churches,  and  one  ordained  minister,  (Rev. 
Elisha  Snow.)  This  was  to  the  Baptists,  a  precious  and 
encouraging  season.  They  now  opened  correspondence 
with  the  Warren  Association,  Massachusetts  and  Rhode 


104  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION. 

Island,  and  New  Hampshire — and  a  circular  was  addressed 
to  the  churches  upon  Christian  faithfulness  and  honesty, 
which  was  an  important  document  in  those  times.  In  1790, 
the  Association  met  at  Harpswell.  God  gave  evident  man- 
ifestation of  his  approbation  of  this  Association  at  their 
first  meeting.  The  exercises  were  blessed  to  the  conver- 

o 

sion  of  one  soul,  and  each  subsequent  meeting  was  cheered 
by  his  gracious  presence, 

To  show  the  comparative  increase  of  the  Baptists  with 
the  increase  of  population  in  the  State,  we  remark  that  in 
1764,  four  years  before  there  was  a  Baptist  church  in  the 
State  that  out-lived  the  storm  of  persecution,  there  were 
twenty-three  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight  whites 
and  three  hundred  and  thirty-two  blacks  in  Maine.  There 
were  three  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy-two  families 
and  two  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-nine  houses. 
In  1790,  there  was  a  population  of  ninety-six  thousand  five 
hundred  and  forty,  and  only  eleven  Baptist  churches,  with 
not  more  than  five  hundred  members. 

It  may  seem  somewhat  surprising  to  the  present  genera- 
tion who  are  accustomed  to  see  the  Baptists  multiplying  so 
rapidly  in  these  eventful  days  of  enlarged  means  and  won- 
derful prosperity,  that  they  should  make  so  slow  progress 
at  their  commencement.  But  should  those  who  thus 
wonder,  consider  the  persecutions  of  some,  the  trials,  the 
obstacles  to  success  common  to  all  in  a  new  country; — 
could  they  see  the  minister  travelling  on  foot  through  the 
woods,  guided  only  by  '  spotted  trees,1  to  get  to  destitute 
settlements; — could  they  see  the  scattered  settlers,  walking 
six,  ten  or  twelve  miles  to  an  evening  meeting,  or  drawn 
through  the  unbeaten  snow  on  an  ox-sled,  seated  on  a 
bundle  of  straw,  to  the  place  of  worship  where  they  might 
hear  the  words  of  life,  the  wonder  would  seem  to  be,  that 

*Wms.  his.  Me.  vol.  1,  p.  649. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BOWDOIN.  105 

they  multiplied  so  fast.  The  minister  was  encouraged  to 
endure  hardness  as  a  good  soldier,  from  the  success  he 
witnessed ; — and  the  people  were  excited  to  make  great 
exertions  to  hear  such  ministers  as  manifested  so  much 
concern  for  their  souls.  As  the  result  of  such  movements, 
the  obstacles  notwithstanding,  churches  continued  to  in- 
crease. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Churches  added  to  the  Bowdoinham  Association  from  1788  to  the  time  of 
its  division,  1804 — First  Bowdoin — First  Vassalboro' — Second  Vassal- 

v  boro'— Whitefield — First  Sidney— Litchfield— Hebron— First  Buckfield 
— Paris — Lewiston — Readfield — Fayette — Miscongus  Isle  and  Bristol — 
First  Livermore — First  Nobleboixv — Greene — Wayne — Webster — Hope 

£  — New  Gloucester — Clinton — 2d  China — Farming-ton — Second  Litchfield 
— Wales — Jay — Mt.  Vernon — Brunswick — Leeds — Woolwich — Friend- 
ship—Warren— Portland — First  China — Swanville — Second  Buckfield— 
New  Sharon — Canaan — Islesboro' — Vinalhaven — Jefferson  and  Lancas- 
ter— Sumner — Bethel. 

BOWDOIN,  FIRST  CHURCH.  The  town  of  Bowdoin  was 
first  called  Potterstown,  and  was  among  the  first  settlements 
in  Kennebec  County.  In  this  place,  and  for  which  it  is 
memorable  in  the  history  of  the  Baptists  in  this  part  of  the 
State,  was  the  first  revival  of  religion  to  introduce  the  sen- 
timents of  the  Baptists  into  the  country,  the  circumstances 
of  which  have  already  been  described.  Rev.  James  Potter, 
\rho  had  previously  become  pious,  was  instrumental  in  pro- 
moting this  work  of  grace.  Elder  N.  Lord,  of  Wells, 
visited  them  at  the  time  of  its  progress,  and  although  the 
people  were  generally  under  a  Pedo-baptist  influence,  his 
instructions,  as  given  in  two  sermons  only,  led  several  of 
the  converts  to  search  the  Bible  to  see  if  what  he  taught 
was  according  to  the  word  of  God.  The  result  was,  as  is 
generally  the  case,  those  who  took  the  Bible  only  for  their 
guide,  became  Baptists.  But  there  being  no  Baptist  ad- 
ministrator, they  did  not  publicly  profess  their  faith  in 


106  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BOWDOIN 

Christ  and  in  his  gospel,  till  1784,  more  than  a  year  after 
this  revival,  when  they  were  baptized  by  Elder  Case,  and 
became  connected  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Harpswell. 
This  connection  continued,  notwithstanding  their  distance 
of  a  dozen  miles  or  more,  until  1788,  when,  by  the  assist- 
ance of  Elder  Case,  they  were  organized  as  the  church  of 
Christ  in  Bowdoin,  and  Elder  Potter  became  their  pastor. 
The  name  which  this  church  then  assumed,  is  some- 
what peculiar,  and  is  expressive  of  the  strong  Calvinistic 
doctrines  they  embraced,  and  which  have  since  obtained 
considerable  prevalence  in  this  section.  It  was  denomi- 
nated '  A  Regular,  Particular  Baptist  Church.'  Its 
early  progress  was  onward,  especially  while  under  the  min- 
istry of  Mr.  Potter,  whose  labors  were  continued  till  1811, 
when  age  and  infirmity  led  him  to  resign  his  charge  of  the 
church.  He  died  in  full  view  of  the  promised  rest,  March 
2,  1815.  In  1798  and  '99,  a  very  precious  and  extensive 
revival  was  experienced,  when  a  large  addition  was  made 
to  the  church,  which,  together  with  occasional  additions, 
showed  an  increase  of  one  hundred  and  forty-five  to  its  mem- 
bers while  he  was  pastor.  The  influence  of  this  church 
was  felt  in  all  the  adjoining  settlements,  by  means  of  which 
a  foundation  was  laid  for  several  of  the  present  flourishing 
churches  in  that  vicinity,  among  which  are  Lewiston  and 
Greene. 

After  the  revival  in  1798,  the  church  could  no  longer 
be  accommodated  in  barns  and  private  houses.  They 
therefore  erected  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God,  in  1799, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1500.  That  year  David  Buker  and 
Samuel  Smith  were  elected  and  ordained  as  deacons. 
Humphrey  Purington,  Thomas  Adams,  Asahel  Polly  and 
John  Small,  also  have  acted  as  deacons,  by  a  vote  of  the 
church.  Elder  J.  Dinslow  was  an  associate  deacon,  with 
Buker  and  Smith.  Joseph  Dinslow  was  ordained  to  preach 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BOWDOIN.  107 

the  gospel  of  Christ,  by  a  council  convened  at  the  request 
of  the  church,  1794,  and  after  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Pot- 
ter, became  the  stated  minister  of  the  church,  but  not  their 
pastor.  He  was  elected  pastor,  but  declined  the  charge, 
from  a  conscientious  belief  that  few  ministers  have  a  pas- 
toral gift,  and  that  it  was  especially  true  of  himself.  He 
therefore  consented  to  be  their  minister  only.  Mr.  Dins- 
low  began  to  preach  soon  after  he  was  elected  deacon,  and 
was  useful  to  the  church  when  destitute,  and  was  especially 
instrumental  in  aiding  its  progress  till  1820  ;  seventy-five 
being  added  to  the  church  while  he  preached  to  them  as 
the  fruits  of  a  special  refreshing  in  1815. 

Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  affecting  the  inter- 
est of  the  church  after  the  period  of  Elder  Dinslow's  min- 
istry closed  till  in  1829,  when  the  church  was  cheered  and 
assisted  by  a  donation  of  $700,  by  John  Thompson,  one  of 
its  members,  the  interest  of  which  was  to  be  expended 
annually  for  the  benefit  of  the  church. 

In  1834,  they  suffered  the  loss  of  their  house  of  worship, 
by  fire,  which  was  supposed  to  be  the  work  of  an  incen- 
diary. They  were  now  obliged  to  meet  in  school  houses, 
till  their  present  neat  and  convenient  house  for  worship 
was  opened  by  appropriate  services,  November,  1839. 
The  lot  of  land  on  which  it  stands,  was  presented  to  the 
church  and  society,  by  Solomon  Eaton,  Esq. 

When  destitute  of  a  pastor,  or  stated  preacher,  this 
church  has  received  occasional,  if  not  stated  supplies,  by 
Elders  L.  Jackson,  B.  Cole,  J.  Garcelon,  'W.  Stinson,  E. 
Purrington,  S.  Owen,  and  D.  Pierce,  respectively  and  suc- 
cessively, as  often,  at  least,  as  one  Sabbath  in  each  month, 
which  labors  have  been  of  great  utility  and  comfort  to  its 
members.  Besides  these  labors,  the  church  has  always 
been  blessed  with  eminently  valuable  gifts  in  their  deacons, 
who  have  most  readily  and  profitably  supplied  the  defi- 
ciency of  a  preacher,  when  none  was  provided. 


108  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BOWDOIN. 

The  peace  and  prosperity  of  this  church  is  greatly  owing 
to  a  wisely  regulated  and  promptly  maintained  discipline, 
for  the  promotion  of  which  Dea,  Buker  was  peculiarly 
qualified ;  and  its  spirituality  to  the  activity  of  Dea.  E. 
Brown,  who  was  ordained  to  that  office  in  1822.  The  rich 
experience,  the  unwavering  faith,  and  upright  example  of 
deacon  B.  exerted  a  healthy  influence  on  the  character  of 
the  church,  and  a  pious  attractiveness  on  all  around  him. 

This  church,  though  generally  cheered  with  an  encour- 
aging prosperity,  has  endured  many  severe  trials.  '  Trials,1 
says  one  of  its  worthy  members,  '  of  all  kinds  common  to 
this  sect  every  where  spoken  against.'  In  its  infancy  it 
had  to  contend  with  some  heated  and  zealous  Arminians, 
who  labored  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  young  Christians 
against  the  Baptists.  Their  hard  expressions  were  charged 
upon  them,  but  they  continued  in  their  unjust  animadver- 
sions, and  unfeeling  aspersions,  till  a  certain  distinguished 
person  among  the  Baptists  requested  a  public  discussion  of 
some  doctrines  which  had  been  sinfully  misrepresented. 
'  The  discussion  was  attended  with  this  result,'  sajs  Mr. 
Potter,  '  since  which,  to  the  present  time,  the  Arminian 
sentiments  have  been  disowned  by  us,  both  by  saints  and 
sinners.'* 

This  church  still  claims  to  be  regarded  as  upon  the  true 
original  Baptist  Platform,  and  are^very  seriously  inclined 
to  charge  their  brethren  generally  in  the  State  at  the  pres- 
ent day,  with  having  removed  from  the  original  principles 
of  the  Baptist  Faith.  This  charge,  undoubtedly,  is  true, 
as  respects  some  peculiar  views  of  some  particular  and  nice 
points  of  theology  ;  but  we  do  not  as  yet  discover  any  ma- 
terial change  in  the  essential  doctrines  of  their  profession 
and  faith. 

This  church  has  existed  nearly  fifty-six  years ;  has  always 

"Pot.  Nar.  p.  26. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  VASSALBORO'.  199 

had  much  trouble  as  respects  the  proper  mode  of  support- 
ing the  ministry  ;  and  this  trouble  some  how  or  other  so 
happens  when  but  little  is  done  in  this  business.  At  first, 
they  carne  up  to  the  work  of  supporting  the  ministry  much 
better  than  latterly  ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  notice,  that  their 
prosperity  at  that  time  holds  a  just  proportion  to  their  libe- 
rality. In  1800,  the  church  had  a  total  of  members  of 
one  hundred  and^ten ;  in  1810,  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  ; 
1820,  of  fifty-nine;  1843,  of  twenty-five.  Its  decrease  has 
been  occasioned,  however,  very  much,  by  large  and  frequent 
dismissions  ;  but  not  more  so  in  its  last  days,  than  in  its 
former,  when  it  enjoyed  its  greatest  prosperity.* 

VASSALBOROUGH.  This  town  lies  on  the  east  side  of 
Kennebec  river,  a  few  miles  above  Augusta,  and  was  set- 
tled about  the  same  time,  (1770.)  The  first  religious  so- 
ciety gathered  here  was  a  society  of  Quakers,  or  Friends, 
which  obtained  considerable  influence.  The  next  reli- 
gious movements  were  made  by  the  Baptists.  In  1788t 
Rev.  N.  Lord,  of  Wells,  visited  this  settlement,  and  his 
preaching  was  cordially  received  by  the  people  generally. 
As  the  result  of  Mr.  Lord's  labors,  a  revival  laid  the  foun- 
dation for  a  Baptist  church  and  community  in  this  town. 
Elder  Lord  was  followed  by  Elders  Potter,  Snow,  and 
Case,  who  made  similar  occasional  visits,  and  was  benefi- 
cial in  extending  the  privileges  of  the  Baptists  here,  and 
extending  their  influence  into  adjoining  settlements.^ 

Elder  Macomber,  of  Bowdoinham,  had  the  privilege  of 
introducing  the  precious  ordinance,  by  Baptizing  several 
persons,  in  1788,  who  were  the  first  to  receive  the  bless- 
ing in  this  wilderness  ;  and  soon  others,  in  some  of  the 
surrounding  neighborhood,  followed  Christ's  example  in 
the  same  rite.  These  scattered  disciples  were  collected 

*We  are  indebted  to  Mr..Green,  a  member,  for  much  of  the  information 
we  have  received  of  this  Church,  the  amount  of  which  is  here  embodied. 
fEld.  Case's  Jour.    JThe  same. 


I  tO  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  VASSALBORO', 

by  Elder  Case,   who  had  previously   baptized  the  most  of 
them,  and  organized  into  a  regular  church.* 

This  was  the  first  church  in  that  town,  and  consisted  of 
eleven  members.  At  the  time  of  the  first  baptism ,  there 
were  not  more  than  one  hundred  inhabitants  in  the  town, 
and  these  lived  in  the  utter  neglect  of  religion,  and  the  Sab- 
bath was  almost  wholly  disregarded.  There  were  some 
who  professed  piety,  but  they  had  wandered  from  the  Lord, 
and  exerted  no  favorable  influence  on  their  neighbors. 
Among  the  first  to  profess  their  love  to  Christ,  by  baptism, 
were  Nehemiah  Gould  and  Jabez  Lewis,  who  subsequent- 
ly were  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  useful 
in  promoting  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer  in  the  State. 

This  church  occupied  a  central  power  of  influence, 
and  was  soon  increased  in  numbers.  Several  of  the  mem- 
bers residing  in  Harlem  (now  China),  the  prosperity  of 
the  cause  required  that  they  should  be  set  off  to  exert  an 
influence  in  a  separate  capacity;  consequently  in  1796,  a 
church  was  constituted  in  this  settlement,  of  nineteen 
members,  and  located  in  the  south  part  of  that  town.  This 
year,  Job  Chadwick  and  N.  Gould  were  inducted  into  the 
office  of  pastors ;  the  former  of  the  church  in  Harlem, 
and  the  latter,  of  Vassalborough.  Thus  God  raised  up 
from  among  these  disciples,  two,  to  be  their  spiritual 
guides,  men,  who  were  experienced  in  all  the  peculiarities 
of  a  new  country,  and  therefore  qualified  to  lead  the  flock 
of  God  in  such  times.  About  this  time  the  church  in 
Vassalborough  enjoyed  union  and  prosperity.  In  a  few 
years  it  embraced  members  who  lived  in  Freetown,  (now 
the  north  part  of  China,  and  where  is  situated  the  first 
church).  These  were  dismissed,  and  organized  into  an 
independent  church  in  1800. 

*Mr.  Case's  Jour.  » 

7 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  VASSALBORO'.  m 

Trials  awaited  this  church,  and  soon  a  dark  cloud  sa- 
bled  its  brightest  prospects.  Their  happy  seasons  of  love 
disappeared,  and  disagreement  severed  their  long  cherished 
ties  of  union.  An  unhappy  difficulty  arose  between  the 
pastor  and  the  church,  which  terminated  in  the  deposition 
and  exclusion  of  the  pastor,  and  the  church  became  like  an 
unfruitful  vine.  The  pastor  was,  however,  afterwards  re- 
stored to  membership,  but  not  to  his  sacred  office.* 

In  1796,  the  Baptists  in  Vassalborough  erected  a  house 
for  worship  where  is  now  the  '  outlet  village.'  Previous 
to  this,  dwelling  houses,  which  were  at  that  time  generally 
constructed  of  logs,  were  their  sanctuaries  and  bethel 
places.  Here  they  worshipped  and  praised  God. 

They  were  made  to  forget  their  trials  and  to  sing  with 
gladness  in  1801,  when  a  precious  and  spirit-stirring  revi- 
val was  experienced,  which  enlarged  the  church  by  an  addi- 
tion of  about  fifty  members.  Among  this  number  were 
two,  whom  God  called  into  the  work  of  preaching  his  gos- 
pel ;  Jesse  Martin,  who  was  ordained  to  the  pastoral  care 
of  the  church  June  27,  1804,  and  Coker  Marble,  who 
was  set  apart  as  an  evangelist,  June,  1805.  Under  the 
ministry  of  Elder  Martin,  the  church  was  comforted  and 
enlarged.  The  ministry  ot  Elder  Martin  occupies  two 
periods  in  the  history  of  this  church.  The  first  from 
his  ordination  to  1813,  the  second  from  1824  till  1829. 
The  interval  of  these  periods  was  filled  with  trials,  dis- 
couragements, and  a  gradual  decrease  of  members  ;  disci- 
pline and  the  ordinances  of  the  house  of  God  were  neg- 
lected, and  the  enemies  triumphed,  believing  that  the 
church  would  rise  no  more.  But  God  who  holds  his 
church  in  his  own  gracious  hand,  had  blessings  still  in 
reserve  for  this  his  afflicted  people.  By  their  request,  in 
December,  1824,  Elder  Martin  came  again  to  their  help, 

*Ch.  Records. 


112  SECOND  CHURCH  IN   VASSALBORO.' 

and  the  church  was  encouraged  by  the  fruits  of  another 
revival.  From  the  close  of  the  second  period  of  Elder 
Martin's  labors,  in  1829,  the  church  was  supplied  by 
Elder  H.  Kendall  and  others,  and  was  refreshed  by  a  sea- 
son of  divine  mercy  in  1830.  Fifty  more  were  now  added 
to  them  by  baptism.  For  a  period  of  five  years  the  church 
is  again  destitute,  during  which  but  a  little  prosperity  is 
witnessed.  In  1836,  Rev.  E.  R.  Warren  became  pastor, 
and  remained  one  year  and  resigned,  and  from  that  time 
the  church  and  Baptist  friends  were  again  left,  with  only 
occasional  preaching  till  1840,  when  an  important  event 
occurred  affecting  the  Baptist  interest  in  Vassalborough. 
This  year,  the  first  and  second  Baptist  churches  in  this 
town  united  in  one  church,  and  erected  anew  and  conven- 
ient meeting-house,  two  and  half  miles  south  of  the  old 
place  of  worship,  in  which  the  new  church  now  worships. 
Having  arrived  to  this  period  in  the  history  of  the  first 
church,  before  we  proceed  with  the  description  of  the 
church  in  its  present  appearance,  it  will  be  proper  to  say 
something  of  the 

SECOND    CHURCH  IN  VASSALBOROUGH.      This    church 
oricrinated  with  the  first  church,  and  was  constituted  with 

O  ' 

twenty-two  members,  August  17,  1808.  Rev.  C.  Marble, 
who  had  been  previously  ordained  in  the  first  church,  now 
became  a  member  and  pastor  of  the  second.  This  charge 
he  sustained  with  fidelity  and  usefulness,  till  about  1820. 
Within  this  period  (1811  and  12)  large  additions,  consid- 
ering the  sparsness  of  population,  were  made  to  this  body 
as  the  products  of  a  rich  revival  harvest.  At  the  time  of 
this  refreshing,  the  work  having  extended  into  China, 
twenty-six  were  dismissed  from  the  church  to  aid  the  organ- 
ization of  a  third  church  in  that  town.  From  the  close  of 
the  pastoral  care  of  Eld.  Marble,  this  church  received  only 
the  occasional  preaching  of  ministers,  who  were  obliged  to 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  VASSALBORO.'  H3 

labor  with  their  hands  during  the  week  for  support,  for 
whose  services,  the  church  paying  them  per  week  probably 
not  more  than  a  fair  compensation  for  a  common  day's 
work.  Eld.  N.  Bowler,  was  one  who  rendered  them  the 
greatest  service.  Being  destitute,  and  much  enfeebled, 
and  not  able  to  provide  for  themselves  the  labors  of  a  pas- 
tor ;  and  the  first  church  being  in  like  circumstances,  it 
was  agreed,  that  these  churches  unite  in  one  body,  to  be 
the  first  church  in  town.  The  independency  of  the  second 
was  now  lost,  and  it  ceased  to  be  a  church  in  1840.  At 
this  time  it  was  composed  of  forty  members. 

From  the  foregoing  remarks,  we  see  fliat  there  is  now 
but  one  church  of  Christ  of  the  Baptist  faith  in  Vassalboro'. 
When  the  union  was  formed,  it  was  composed  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifteen  members,  the  number  of  the  first  church 
being  seventy-four.  In  a  few  months  after  this  union  was 
formed,  Rev.  E.  W.  Cressy  became  their  pastor,  by  whose 
labors,  which  were  continued  till  the  spring  of  1843,  the 
church  was  increased.  Since  his  resignation,  the  church 
has  had  no  pastor. 

This  church  is  regarded  as  the  first  and  old  church,  the 
age  of  which  is  about  fifty-six.  The  Baptists  in  Vassal- 
borough  have  had  five  pastors,  the  first  church,  four  ;  the 
second,  one.  They  have  had  thirteen  deacons  ;  Timothy 
Hamlin,  Coker  Marble,  Jesse  Martin,  Allen  Wing,  Phine- 
has  Weeks,  Coker  Marble,  Jr.,  Alpheus  Ewer,  John 
Coleman  and  William  Cross,  of  the  first  church ;  and 
Joseph  Coleman,  Thomas  Hawes,  John  Coleman  and 
William  Cross,  in  the  second  church. 

God  has  raised  up,  and  sent  forth  from  them  seven 
preachers  of  the  gospel,  several  of  whom  have,  as  has  been 
already  said,  served  them  in  the  pastoral  office.  Besides 
the  names  already  mentioned,  as  Gould,  Martin,  Chad- 
wick,  Lewis  and  Marble;  Rev.  A.  Wing,  ordained  in 


114  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  WHITEFIELD. 

Windsor,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Blaisdel,  in  Clinton,  originated  in 
this  body.* 

The  whole  number  of  Baptists  in  Vassalborough  from 
their  commencement  to  1840,  is  three  hundred  and  eighty. 
Two  hundred  and  fifty-seven  have  belonged  to  the  first 
church,  and  one  hundred  and  forty-two  to  the  second. 
The  whole  in  1840,  was  one  hundred  and  thirty-four,  a 
net  gain  of  eighteen  being  added  that  year.  The  whole 
number  up  to  1843,  is  four  hundred  and  twenty-nine. 
Present  number  is  one  hundred  and  forty-nine. 

WHITEFIELD,  (formerly  called  BALLSTOWN.)!  The 
Baptists  were  the  first  to  commence  religious  operations  in 
this  town.  The  first  settlement  made  in  this  place,  lay 
on  a  convenient  route  from  either  Thomaston  or  Bowdoin- 
ham  to  Vassalborough,  where  were  already  Baptist 
churches,  and  at  suitable  distance  for  stopping  while  pass- 
ing. Baptist  ministers  therefore  would  find  it  very  easy  to 
become  acquainted  with  the  people,  and  a  very  great  ac- 
commodation and  privilege  to  tarry  and  preach  occasional 
lectures  to  them,  as  they  journeyed  into  the  more  retired 
settlements  along  the  Kennebec,  and  especially  for  Elder 
Case  of  Thomaston,  who  made  frequent  missionary  excur- 
sions in  that  direction. 

Says  Elder  Case,}  who  witnessed  the  rise  of  all  the 
churches  in  this  vicinity,  'previous to  1788,  the  people  of 
Ballstown  were  not  favored  with  stated  preaching  of  any 
kind,  as  there  was  then  no  church  of  any  order  in  the  set- 
tlement.' We  learn  from  the  same  source,  that  as  the  fruits 
of  occasional  visits  and  preaching  by  Baptist  ministers,  the 
attention  of  the  people  was  slowly  drawn  to  religious  sub- 
jects and  inquiry,  and  their  views  gradually  and  generally 
became  favorable  to  their  doctrines.  Soon,  several  became 

*Rev.  E.  W.  Cressy's  Com.  and  Min.  Bowd.,  Lin.  and  Waldo  Associa. 
tMin.  of  B.  A.        JMr.  Case's  Jour. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  WHITEFIELD.  H5 

pious,   and  were  baptized.      Among  the  preachers  who 
visited  this  place,  were  Elders  Case  and  Potter.* 

Jan,  6,  1788,  fifteen  persons,  who  had  been  previous!/ 
baptized,  were,  by  Elder  Case  and  others,  organized  into  an 
independent  church.  Here  then  was  now  embodied  the 
amount  of  Baptist  strength  and  influence  in  this  part  of 
Lincoln  County.  This  church  being  blessed  with  only 
occasional  preaching,  obtained  but  a  small  annual  increase 
for  several  years.  At  length  they  were  encouraged  and 
eminently  assisted  in  their  spiritual  progress,  by  the  stated 
ministry  of  Rev.  Joseph  Bailey,  who  became  its  first  pastor 
in  1796.  Now  was  fulfilled  unto  them  the  saying  of  the 
Prophet,  '  I  will  open  springs  in  the  desert,  and  the  parched 
ground  shall  become  pools  of  water.'  The  blessings  of 
heavenly  grace  were  poured  forth,  and  the  first  eight  years 
of  Eld.  B's  ministry  was  made  instrumental  of  bringing  into 
the  church  large  numbers,  so  that  in  1804,  the  church  had 
a  numerical  strength  of  one  hundred  and  four  members, 
which  was  a  large  church  in  this  new  and  thinly  populated 
town.  Another  revival  added  thirty  or  forty  more  to  the 
church  in  1808,  and  in  the  next  year  several  were  dismissed 
to  constitute  a  second  church  in  town,  but  its  efficiency 
was  by  this  dismission  but  little  effected. 

Nothing  of  special  importance  occurred  in  the  history  of 
this  church  from  1809  till  1820,  when  its  numbers  were 
again  diminished  by  the  dismission  of  ten  to  unite  in  the 
formation  of  a  church  in  New  Castle.  During  this  period, 
however,  it  may  be  said  that  it  made  an  advancement  equal 
to  other  churches  in  the  vicinity.  And  in  1822,  the  vacan- 
cy made  in  its  numbers,  was  more  than  filled  by  an  addi- 
tion of  twenty-two,  thefprecious  fruits  of  a  revival — and  by 
the  reception  of  thirty-five  in  1827,  in  the  time  of  another 
revival.  Rev.  Enos  Trask,  who  had  previously  united  with 

*Potter'«  Nar .  p.  24. 


116  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  SIDNEY. 

the  church  from  the  third  church  in  Jeffersonr  was  ordain- 
ed this  year  by  this  church  and  assisted  their  aged  pastor, 
Eld.  Bailey,  in  promoting  this  gracious  work.  As  the  clear 
light  of  the  sun  at  its  meridian  splendour,  is  darkened^by 
thick  tempest  clouds,  so  was  the  glory  and  prosperity  of  this 
church  obscured  by  the  mists  of  '  Antinomianism,'  and 
severe  outward  trials.  About  this  time  a  third  church  arose 
in  Whitefield,  and  between  this  church  and  that  new  body, 
a  serious  difficulty  arose  respecting  the  proper  treatment  of 
'  censured  and  excluded'  members.*  But  the  Association 
seeing  no  cause  of  complaint  in  the  doings  of  this  third 
church,  received  it  into  associational  connection,  on  which 
account  this  first  church  withdrew,  and  was  by  a  vote  of 
the  Association  dropped  from  its  fellowship  in  1830.t  It 
then  numbered  one  hundred  and  five  members,  and  was 
under  the  ministry  and  counsel  of  their  aged  pastor. 

FIRST  SIDNEY.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  western 
part  of  the  town  of  Sidney,  on  the  west  side  of  Kennebec 
river,  about  ten  miles  north  of  Augusta.  Baptist  ministers 
began  to  visit  this  settlement  about  the  time  of  the  first 
revival  in  Vassalborough,  1788.  Some  of  the  fruits  indeed 
of  that  revival  were  gathered  here.  In  1791,  by  the  labors 
of  Elder  Potter,  a  revival  in  Sidney  added  to  the  harvest, 
and  as  the  result  a  church  was  organized,  and  known  at 
first  by  the  name  of  second  Vassalborough,  and  united 
with  Bowdoinham  Association,  having  sixteen  members. 
A  revival  was  enjoyed  in  the  town  in  1792  and  '93,  which 
added  much  strength  to  the  church.  This  work  was  pro- 
moted, if  our  information  be  correct,  by  the  efforts  of  Asa 
Wilbur  and  Lemuel  Jackson,  who  were  then  licensed 
preachers  in  the  church,  and  who,  says  Elder  Case,  '  were 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  a  private  house  in 
Sidney,  in  1793.'J 

*Lin.  A.  Min.  1829,  pp.  5,  6.    fL.  A.  Min.  1830.    JEW.  C'a  J.  &  M.  A. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LITCHF1ELD.  117 

Rev.  Asa  Wilbur,  by  request  received  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  church  in  1796.  The  church  at  that  time 
numbered  fifty-seven.  The  ministry  of  Elder  Wilbur  was 
useful,  and  although  the  church  was  not  for  a  period  of 
many  years  blessed  with  a  revival,  yet  the  annual  additions 
were  equal  to  the  diminutions.  The  church  however  was 
diminished  in  1806,  by  a  dismission  of  nineteen,  to  form 
the  second  church  in  that  town.  General  prosperity  still 
continued  in  the  church  for  several  years,  till  another 
special  season  of  mercy  refreshed  the  church,  (1811.) 
Subsequent  to  that  revival  the  church  gradually  fell  into 
darkness  till  its  light  was  nearly  obscured.  In  1829  they 
were  left  without  a  pastor,  and  till  1843,  had  little  above  a 
mere  name.  Their  numbers  were  reduced  to  eighteen. 
A  beam  of  hope  arises  to  chase  away  discouragement,  in 
connection  with  some  assistance  rendered  them  by  William 
Wilbur,  a  licensed  preacher.  There  is  evidence,  there- 
fore, that  God  has  not  forgotten  them.  This  church  is 
characterized  by  a  high  degree  of  Antinomianism. 

LITCHFIELD,  (called  2nd  BOWDOIN.)  What  is  now  the 
town  of  Litchfield,  was  first  called  Potterstown,  or  a  part 
of  that  section  of  country  subsequently  Bowdoin,  which 
accounts  for  the  original  name  of  this  church.  Soon  after 
the  church  was  organized  in  what  is  now  Bowdoin,  Baptist 
sentiments  began  to  be  known,  and  their  influence  felt  in 
the  settlement  where  this  church  was  gathered.  Eld.  Pot- 
ter was  in  all  these  settlements,  and  with  his  travels  and 
by  his  labors,  the  Baptist  cause  made  progress.  A  few 
persons  embraced  their  doctrines,  by  means  of  the  occa- 
sional labors  of  brethren  Potter,  Macomber  and  Case ;  and 
in  1791,  a  church  of  twenty-one  members  was  organized 
And  in  June  of  the  next  year,  William  Stinson,  one  of  its 
members,  was  ordained  its  pastor.  The  services  on  the 
occasion  were  held  in  a  barn.  At  the  organization  of  this 


118  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LITCHFIELD. 

church,  and  at  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Wm.  Stinson,  breth- 
ren Potter  and  Case  conducted  the  services.*     By  means 
of  these  labors  and  these  movements,  a  foundation  was  laid 
for  permanent  influence  in  Litchfield,  by  which  name  the 
church  was  known  from  1796.     Eld.  W.  Stinson  was  its 
pastor  for  a  period  of  30  years.t     During  his  ministry  it 
passed  through  many   trials  and   several  changes.      Till 
about  the  year  1810,  it  enjoyed  a  pleasing  prosperity  ;  and 
in  1799,  a  most  glorious  revival,  which  swelled  its  mem- 
bers to  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-one.     In  1798,  a 
second  church  in  Litchfield  was  organized  with  fourteen 
members,  and  received  into  the  Association,  and  called  the 
second  church  in  Litchfield ;  but  in  1811,  some  singular 
changes  occurred,  seriously  affecting  the  first  church,  from 
which  time  the  second  takes  place  of  the  first,  and  the  first 
that  of  the  second.^  So  that  the  church  constituted  in  1798, 
becomes  the  first  church,  and  the  old  church  the  second, 
with  a  considerable  loss  of  members,  there  being  but  forty- 
five  ;  and   to  that  time  is  the  date  of  its  origin  fixed  $ 
whereas,  1791 1|  is  the  proper  date  ;  and  the  origin  of  what 
is  now  Litchfield,  is  fixed  on  a  wrong  date  also.     Instead 
of  1792,fl  it  should  be  1798.**     If  the  old  church  under- 
went a  new  organization  in  1811,  it  has  the  same  pastor 
and  a  portion  of  the  same  members.  And  we  find  the  same 
thing  true  of  the  second  church,  (or  now  first  church). 
From  the  records  before  us,  we  consider  the  old  church, 
which  we  now  describe,   as   existing   through   all   these 
changes,  essentially  the  same  body.     From   1811  to  the 
time  it  was  left  destitute  of  a  pastor,  in  1822,  there  was  a 
small  net  increase ;  but  it  soon  after  began  to  decline,  till 
its  influence  and  efforts  ceased ;  it  was  therefore  dropped 
from  the  Association  in  1838,  it  having  made  no  report  to 

*Eld    Case's  Journal.    |Min.  B.  A.  1822.    fMin.   1810  &  '11.    §Min, 
1828.    ||Min.  1791,    fiMinutes  1828.    **Min.  1798, 


CHURCH  IN  HEBRON.  119 

that  body  for  sereral  years  next  preceding  that  time.  The 
last  information  received  by  Jetter,  was  in  1832,  when  it 
reported  a  total  of  forty-eight.  This  church  has  fallen, 
leaving  the  entire  field  of  Litchfield  to  the  spiritual  occu- 
pancy of  the  church  organized  in  1798. 

We  find  the  names  of  Samuel  Blanchard  and  Joseph 
Ring,  who  were  deacons  in  this  church. 

HEBRON,  (formerly  called  SHEPHERDSFIELD).  This 
town  was  originally  called  Shepherdsfield,  and  first  settled 
about  the  year  1780.  A  few  of  the  first  inhabitants  being 
professors  of  religion,  meetings  were  soon  held  for  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  which  were  conducted  by  two  of  their  number, 
Reuben  Packard  and  William  Barrows;  the  former  of 
whom  subsequently  became  a  deacon  of  a  Congregational 
church,  and  the  latter  of  a  Baptist  church.  These  move- 
ments tended  to  establish  religious  principles  among  the 
people,  and  to  prepare  them  to  appreciate  the  gospel. 
Towards  the  close  of  1789,  in  compliance  with  an  invita- 
tion extended  to  him  by  one  of  the  people  in  Hebron,  Rev. 
J.  Potter  visited  this  place.*  He  was  gladly  received,  and 
his  preaching  was  blessed  to  the  good  of  souls.  Mr.  Pot- 
ter having  thus  a  favorable  introduction,  and  the  people 
awakened  to  an  anxiety  to  hear  the  gospel,  by  their  earnest 
request  visited  them  several  times  during  the  next  two 
years,  preached  with  similar  success,  and  baptized  thos 
who  desired  the  sacred  ordinance.  And  Aug.  23,  1791, 
the  number  baptized  being  thirteen,  they  were  organized 
into  a  gospel  church. 

The  church  now  formed  was  without  a  pastor  during 
several  years,  receiving  only  occasional  supplies  by  minis- 
ters from  abroad  ;  and  Rev.  S.  Flagg,  who  supplied  them 
at  one  time  for  a  term  of  six  months.  At  the  close  of  the 
first  three  years,  the  church  numbered  thirty-eight  mem- 

*Potter's  Nar.  p.  27. 


120  CHURCH  IN  HEBRON. 

bers.  Soon  a  trial  arose,  which  prevented  prosperity.  This 
trial  was  occasioned  by  an  -unhappy  dispute  among  some 
of  the  members  about  what  they  called '  a  preparatory  work 
before  the  conversion  of  a  sinner.'  This  unpleasant  alter- 
cation and  division  resulted  in  spiritual  declension,  and  the 
exclusion  of  five  of  its  members.  This  exclusion  in  this 
church  occurred  in  1798. 

On  July  5,  1798,  Rev.  John  Tripp,  who  was  their  first 
and  is  their  present  senior  pastor,  moved  from  Carver, 
Mass.,  with  his  family  and  took  up  his  residence  among 
this  people,  and  was  inducted  into  the  office  by  installation, 
February  14,  1799.  He  found  the  church  borne  down 
with  trials  and  internal  difficulties,  but  '  the  body  being 
sound,'  by  long,  tender  and  patient  labor  he  saw  the  diffi- 
culties remove,  and,  says  Elder  Tripp,  '  we  have  had  no 
distressing  difficulty  since.' 

The  church  under  the  faithful  and  judicious  labors  of 
their  aged  and  venerable  pastor,  has  enjoyed  more  than 
usual  prosperity,  during  the  whole  period  of  his  pious 
ministry  with  them.  The  following  statistical  account  will 
give  some  idea  of  the  rapid  growth  of  this  church.  When 
Mr.  Tripp  was  made  pastor,  their  whole  number  was 
thirty-one  members.  In  1801,  that  number  was  forty  ;  in 
1812,  thirty  ;  1817,  one  hundred  and  eighteen  ;  1839,  two 
hundred  and  eighteen  ;  making  a  net  increase  in  a  period 
of  forty  years,  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-seven. 

In  this  period  the  church  has  experienced  many  precious 
revival  seasons,  the  most  signal  of  which,  was  in  1839. 
During  this  work  of  love  and  mercy,  one  hundred  and  sjx 
souls  were  added  by  baptism.  This  revival,  so  powerful 
and  glorious,  deserves  a  special  notice  in  this  history. 
The  ability  and  strength  of  the  church  were  increased  with 
the  numerical  enlargement.  It  should  be  said  that  in  this 
extensive  work  of  grace,  the  church  was  cheered  with  the 


CHURCH  IN  HEBRON.  12] 

presence  and  labors  of  Rev.  John  Butler,  who  very  provi- 
dentially came  to  share  a  portion  of  the  arduous  and  nu- 
merous labors  then  accumulating  rapidly  at  the  hands  of 
their  aged  and  very  infirm  pastor.  So  rapid  and  power- 
ful was  this  work,  that  converts  multiplied  daily.  Forty- 
six  happy  converts  were  baptized  on  one  joyful  occasion, 
who,  together  with  others,  were  added  to  the  church. 

We  would  mention,  not  only  as  a  matter  important  to 
the  history  of  this  church,  but  as  a  circumstance  affording 
a  wise  and  benevolent  example  to  other  churches  who  have 
among  them  aged  ministers,  whose  lives  and  energies  have 
been  devoted  in  their  service,  that  this  church,  feeling  the 
expediency  of  more  labor  than  could  reasonably  be  re- 
quired of  their  venerable  pastor,  wisely  provided  for  the 
deficiencies  of  age  and  infirmity.  Two  circumstances,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  church  combined,  which  were,  that 
the  members  of  the  church  were  scattered  over  a  large  ter- 
ritory, and  the  age  and  feebleness  of  their  pastor  whom 
they  revered  and  loved,  to  render  it  indispensable  that  an 
associate  pastor  should  immediately  be  secured.  The 
church,  therefore,  with  the  consent  of  Elder  Tripp,  ob- 
tained a  portion  of  the  labors  of  Rev.  Eliab  Coy,  to  be 
expended  in  connection  with  those  of  their  senior  pastor, 
for  their  benefit.  Elder  Coy  was  engaged  for  three-fourths 
of  the  time,  only  leaving  one-fourth  of  the  usual  salary  for 
Elder  Tripp.  By  this  arrangement  both  pastors  receive  a 
comfortable  support.  This  arrangement  still  continues, 
and  the  church  prospers.  Several  ministers  of  Christ 
originated  in  this  church ;  Rev.  Messrs.  Job  Cushman, 
Shubael  Tripp,  Philip  Chamberlain,  Benjamin  Donham, 
Walter  Marshall,  and  Harvey  Hawes.  The  present  num- 
ber belonging  to  the  church,  is  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
seven.* 

*Rev.  J.  Tripp's  Com. 


122  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BUCKFIELD. 

FIRST  BUCKFIELD,  (formerly  called  '  BUCK-TOWN.') 
This  town  was  settled  about  the  same  time  with  Hebron, 
and  similar  meetings  for  the  worship  of  God  were  held 
here  as  in  that  town,  previous  to  their  being  favored  with 
the  ministry  of  the  gospel  from  any  preacher.  This  was 
the  first'settlement  in  this  vicinity  which  Elder  Potter  visited 
by  invitation.  His  first  arrival  among  them  was  in  1789.* 
Here,  he  says,  '  I  found  a  number  of  loving  brethren  with 
whom  I  had  fellowship,  but  had  no  message  to  sinners  in 
any  of  these  places,'  i.  e.  the  places  through  which  he  had 
journeyed  and  preached  while  on  his  way  to  B.  As  in 
Hebron,  so  in  Buckfield,  as  the  results  of  subsequent  and 
occasional  visits,  by  Elder  Potter  and  Elder  E.  Snow,  of 
Thomaston,  seventeen  persons  became  Baptists,  and  were 
united  to  church  relations  and  fellowship,  in  1791.  This 
church  was  called  Buckfield,  in  1794.  Being  destitute  of 
a  pastor,  and  favored  therefore  with  but  little  preaching,  it 
made  but  a  small  progress  for  several  years.  It  however 
received  some  assistance  and  a  small  increase  by  means  of 
voluntary  supplies  by  ministers  of  Bowdoinham  Associa- 
tion, and  occasional  visits  by  travelling  preachers.  They 
had  but  few  outward  obstacles  to  resist  their  onward 
course ;  and  yet,  for  want  of  a  stated  ministry,  the  church, 
after  a  few  years  of  prosperity,  began  to  suffer  an  annual 
loss  of  members  and  the  sad  results  of  a  declining  pious 
activity. 

In  1801 ,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Chase  became  its  pastor.  With 
a  warm,  vigorous  and  zealous  piety,  he  strove  untiringly  to 
strengthen  the  things  that  remained.  Nor  did  he  toil  in 
vain.t  The  work  of  the  Lord  prospered  in  his  hands,  and 
pleasing  additions  were  soon  made  to  the  church,  which 
now  appeared  like  one  coming  up  from  the  wilderness. 
But  these  days  of  special  prosperity  were  comparatively 

*Pot.  Nar.,  p.  25.        fMin.  B.  A.  1803. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  PARIS.  123 

few.  From  1803, -there  was  a  net  loss  annually  until  it 
was  reduced  in  1841  to  twelve  members,  and  was  dropped 
from  the  Association,  with  a  recommendation  to  these 
members  to  disband  and  unite  with  other  churches.*  Eld. 
Chase,  after  a  ministry  of  about  thirty-five  years,  removed 
his  relation  to  the  church  in  Hebron,  where  he  now  sus- 
tains an  honorable  connection,  being  beloved  by  his 
brethren  in  all  the  vicinity.  The  brethren  who  aided  both 
pastor  and  church,  were  Job  Prince,  Stephen  Benson,  and 
Job  Packard,  the  former  of  whom  died  in  prospect  of  a 
glorious  immortality  in  1832.  The  same  year  the  beloved 
wife  of  Eld.  Chase,  made  the  happy  exchange  of  '  being 
absent  from  the  body  to  be  present  with  the  Lord.'t 

PARIS,  (called  No.  4.)     This  town  began  to  be  settled 
about  1780.     Among  the  original   settlers  were  several 
members  from  the  third  church  in  Middleborough,  Mass., 
and  the  people  generally  were  favorable  to  the  Baptists. 
At  an  early  period  they  opened  and  maintained  a  Baptist 
meeting.     They  had  no  preacher,  but  these  meetings  pre- 
pared the  way  of  the  Lord  in  this  new  and  rising  settle- 
ment.    The  first  revival  enjoyed  in  this  town  was  witnessed 
in  1790,  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  Rev.  J.  Potter. 
In  this  revival  the  hearts  of  the  pious  were  rejoiced  and 
sinners  converted.     Mr.  P.  made  a  few  visits  to  this  place 
during  '91  and  '92.     The   foundation  being  laid   for  a 
church  in  Paris,  Rev.  E.  Snow,  of  Thomaston,  while  on  a 
mission  to  the  destitute,  visited  these,  disciples  of  Christ 
and  united  them  in  church  relation  November  18th,  1791. 
(They  were  twelve  males  and  sixteen  females,  according 
to  the  statistics  Eld.  Hooper  has  given  of  the  church,f  but 
the  minutes  of  the  Bowdoinham  Association  for  1792,  give 
a  total  of  twenty-one  only.)     If  the  account  given  by  Eld. 
H.  be  correct,  then  there  was  a  net  loss  of  seven  that  year, 

*Min.  O.  A.  1841.    tMin.  O.  A.  1832.    +Rev.  J.  Hooper,  per  Rev.  C.  B. 
Davis's  com. 


124  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  PARIS. 

which  seems  not  very  probable.  (In  making  our  statistics 
for  the  church,  however,  we  shall  number  the  seven  lost 
members.) 

From  the  time  of  its  existence  till  1795,  the  church 
was  aided  in  its  work  of  faith  by  the  frequent  labors  of 
visiting  ministers,  and  obtained  some  numerical  strength. 
On  the  25th  of  June  of  that  year,  Rev.  James  Hooper 
was  ordained  its  first  pastor.  He  was  the  acting  pastor  for 
a  period  of  forty  years.  June  27,  1838,  Rev.  Caleb  B. 
Davis,  their  present  pastor,  was  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  and  junior  pastor  of  the  church,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hooper  remaining  the  honored  and  beloved  senior  pastor, 
until  he  was  removed  to  his  heavenly  rest  by  death,  Dec. 
24th,  1842,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four  years. 

During  the  period  of  their  former  pastor,  the  church 
was  blessed  with  usual  prosperity,  and  several  seasons  of 
special  mercy  and  grace,  when  the  number  of  the  church 
was  enlarged.  The  most  distinguished  of  these  seasons 
occurred,  first  in  1814  and  '15,  when  seventy  were  added 
to  the  church;  and  the  second,  1830  and  '31,  when  sixty 
more  were  united  to  the  body  by  baptism.  Their  pros- 
perity, therefore,  did  not  decline  with  the  energies  of  their 
pastor,  which  gradually  failed  by  means  of  advancing  age 
and  increasing  infirmity.  This  church  has  experienced 
'  no  peculiar  persecutions  ;'  but  has  passed  '  many  trials,' 
occasioned  both  by  '  internal  and  outward  circumstances.' 
Rev.  Mr.  Davis  was  a  graduate  of  Newton  Theological 
Institution,  and  coming  directly  from  that  '  school  of  the 
Prophets,'  he  was  qualified  for  the  important  station,  and 
the  results  which  have  attended  his  ministry  have  met  the 
most  sanguine  expectations  of  those  who  elevated  him  to 
it.  Between  the  time  of  his  ordination  and  1841,  by  the 
blessing  of  God  upon  the  united  labors  of  these  associated 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LEWISTON.  125 

pastors,  the  church  received  the  precious  harvest  of  eighty 
converts.     This  was  a  season  of  joy  and  gratitude. 

This  church,  located  in  a  central  point  of  influence, 
has  originated  several  important  and  flourishing  branches 
of  Zion.  Members  were  dismissed  in  1802,  to  constitute 
the  second  church  in  Buckfield  ;  in  1806  the  church  in 
Norway  ;  in  1824  church  in  Poland ;  in  1827  the  church 
second  Hebron;  in  1836,  second  Hebron  and  Poland 
churches  united  to  form  the  church  Poland  and  Oxford ; 
in  1828,  church  in  Woodstock  and  Greenwood ;  in  1828, 
church  in  Hamlin's  Gore  ;  in  1829,  church  in  Woodstock 
and  Paris  :  in  1830,  church  in  Lincoln,  Penobscot  county. 
These  churches  were  set  off  because  localities  and  circum- 
stances so  demanded. 

Of  the  number  and  names  of  the  deacons  we  have 
received  no  information.  '  Rev.  George  Ricker,  of  Minot, 
originated  in  this  church.  Deacon  John  Willis  was  ordained 
as  an  evangelist  by  this  church  in  1811,  and  died  in  1812. 
Others  have  become  preachers  who  first  united  with  this 
church,  but  their  history  cannot  be  gathered  from  its 
records.'  The  present  number  of  the  church  is  two  hundred 
and  one.* 

LEWISTON.  The  history  of  this  church  is  important  to 
the  history  of  the  Baptists  in  the  interior  part  of  the  State. 
Between  the  years  1782  and  '89,  the  number  of  Baptists 
increased  in  the  different  settlements  in  this  section  of 
country,  by  means  of  the  occasional  labors  of  brethren 
Potter,  Case,  Macomber  and  some  others,  who  travelled  and 
preached  among  them.  As  there  were  but  few  ministers,  and 
these  already  settled  as  pastors,  instead  of  organizing  small 
churches  in  all  these  settlements,  as  a  matter  of  prudence, 
those  who  had  become  pious  in  Lewiston,  Bowdoin,  (now 
Webster)  Greene,  Freeport,Wales,  New  Gloucester,  Pejep- 

*Rev.  C.  B.  Davis's  com. 


126  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LEWISTON. 

scot,  (now  Danville,)  united  in  an  association,  called  a 
*  Conference,'  and  agreed  to  meet  every  fourth  month  at 
Lewiston,  for  mutual  religious  worship.  Though  scattered 
over  so  great  an  extent  of  territory,  this  conference  was 
sustained  by  a  general  attendance  of  its  members  from 
1789  to  1792,  when  the  church  in  Lewiston  was  formed 
by  Elders  Case,  Potter  and  Macomber.  This  organization 
took  place  on  the  3d  of  March,  in  which  fifty-five  persons 
were  united.  During  the  existence  of  the  conference, 
these  disciples  enjoyed  many  precious  seasons,  and  their 
numbers  were  increased.  In  1791,  Rev.  Levi  Chadbourne 
came  among  them,  whom  these  thirsty  disciples  received 
joyfully,  but  unfortunately  for  their  cause,  he  within  one 
year,  '  like  the  dog  which  turns  to  his  vomit,'  turned  into 
the  ways  of  sin,  destroyed  his  usefulness  and  was  deposed 
from  the  ministry.  Their  cause  however  did  not  fall  with 
him.  Baptists  continued  to  multiply. 

A  church  ^being  constituted  in  Lewiston,  and  Baptists 
increasing  with  a  rapidly  growing  population  in  the  different 
settlements  where  they  resided,  it  was  thought  advisable 
that  the  brethren  in  their  several  places  should  hold  sepa- 
rate conferences.  This  was  not,  however,  done  at  once. 
In  1793,  those  who  belonged  in  Greene  were  constituted  in 
a  separate  church ;  the  same  year  those  in  Webster  set  off 
as  a  conference ;  and  in  1794,  those  in  Pejepscot,  as  a 
conference,  with  the  privilege  of  attending  meetings  and 
seasons  of  communion  at  Lewiston ;  in  1794,  those  resid- 
ing in  Webster,  and  those  in  New  Gloucester,  were  dis- 
missed to  constitute  new  churches ;  and  1797,  those  in 
Freeport  were  dismissed  to  join  the  church  in  North 
Yarmouth.  The  vacancies  made  by  these  dismissions  were 
more  than  filled  by  additions  made  by  baptism,  as  the  fruits 
of  a  precious  revival  between  1794  and  '96.  Benjamin 
Cole,  by  whose  efforts  the  church  in  Lewiston,  and  the 


CHURCH  IN  LEWISTON.  127 

brethren  in  Webster  were  essentially  assisted  in  these  days 
of  ministerial  destitution,  was  ordained  in  Webster  in  1802, 
and  became  pastor  of  the  church  in  Lewiston,  and  with 
this  people  he  remained  the  affectionate  and  successful 
pastor  until  his  death,  Sept.  10, 1839 ;  with  the  exception 
of  short  intervals  in  missionary  labors,  and  one  year  which 
he  spent  as  an  evangelist,  during  which  he  strengthened 
and  comforted  many  feeble  churches. 

In  1808,  the  brethren  residing  in  Danville,  were  set  off 
to  unite  with  others  in  a  church  in  that  place ;  and  again 
the  vacancy  is  filled.  In  1808  and  '09,  a  very  interesting 
and  refreshing  season  was  enjoyed,  and  the  church  enlarg- 
ed. James  Garcelon,  one  of  the  original  members  of  this 
church,  was  ordained  at  Webster,  Sept.  1809.  The  most 
of  his  ministry  was  devoted  to  the  benefit  of  destitute 
churches,  officiating  one  year  only  in  this  church  as  pastor. 
He  died  Dec.  28,  1838.  From  its  origin  to  1826,  this 
church  experienced  uninterrupted  prosperity,  and  had  fel- 
lowship among  its  members.  But  with  the  close  of  this 
period  commenced  a  season  of  trial  and  discouragement  ; 
yet  it,  like  the  bush  which  Moses  saw,  passed  through  the 
fire  unconsumed.  The  causes  of  their  trials  may  be  men- 
tioned as  affording  to  Baptists,  at  least,  a  useful  lesson. 

The  trial  now  endured,  originated  '  with  the  hypocrisy 
of  a  Mr.  Frost,  and  some  imprudence  on  the  part  of  the 
church.'  In  building  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God,  the 
Baptists  were  induced  to  unite  with  the  Universalists,  on 
the  condition  that  the  Baptists  should  control  the  house. 
The  house  was  built  by  the  friends  of  God  and  the  friends 
of  Baal.  How  could  they  agree  ?  A  Mr.  Frost  of  Lisbon, 
(now  Webster)  was  introduced  as  a  Baptist  preacher.  He 
had  previously  renounced  the  views  and  practices  of  the 
Methodists,  and  was  a  professed  Baptist ;  but  '  a  wolf  in 
sheep's  clothing,  and  the  Universalists  understood  the 


128  CHURCH  IN  READFIELD. 

hypocrisy.'  They  esteemed  him  highly,  and  labored  to 
secure  a  majority  of  the  proprietors  in  his  favor,  that  he 
might  be  settled  as  the  minister  of  the  people.  His  settle- 
ment was  contracted,  and  he  entered  upon  his  work,  and 
when  he  supposed  that  the  contracts  were  permanently  con- 
cluded, he  publicly  avowed  himself  a  decided  Universalist. 
Being  dismantled  of  his  hypocrisy,  his  dark  visage,  and 
vileness  appeared  to  all.  Now  the  church  arose  in  its 
strength,  seized  upon  the  condition  in  the  original  contract, 
and  by  the  help  of  God,  resumed  the  control  of  the  house, 
and  Mr.  Frost  retired  disgraced ;  and  since  their  recovery 
from  this  captivity,  they  have  enjoyed  peace  and  prosperity. 
God  has  raised  up  in  this  church  five  preachers  ;  B.  Cole, 
J.  Garcelon,  Joseph  Roberts,*  Jacob  Golder,t  and  James 
Garcelon,  jr.,  the  present  pastor  of  the  church  ;|  and  as  we 
have  already  noticed,  with  it  five  churches  have  originated. 
Present  number  of  members  forty-two.^ 

READFIELD,  (first  called  WINTHROP).  The  original 
town  of  Winthrop  embraced  the  territory  now  Winthrop 
and  Readfield.  A  settlement  was  commenced  where  now 
stands  the  flourishing  Winthrop  village,  about  1770.  In 
1773,  the  people  commenced  the  work  of  erecting  a  house 
for  the  worship  of  God,  and  arrangements  were  made  to 
settle  a  Congregational  ^minister.  It  does  not  appear  that 
they  succeeded  in  the  permanent  settlement  of  a  pastor 
until  1782,  six  years  after  a  church  of  that  faith  was  or- 
gani/ed.||  The  whole  territory  since  called  Winthrop,  was 
then  known  by  the  name '  Pond  Town. 'ft  That  part  now 

*Eld.  Roberts  was  born  in  Durham,  Me.,  experienced  religion  in  Bruns- 
wick, united  with  this  church  and  licensed  to  preach — laborea  in  Danville — 
dismissed  with  others  to  form  Danville  church  1808,  and  was  ordained  pastor. 

fElder  Golder  was  deacon  in  this  church  previous  to  bis  entering  the 
ministry. 

JThere  was  also  a  Mr.  John  Wagg,  licensed  by  this  church,  and  ordained 
at  Norway,  but  finally  made  shipwreck  of  his  faith. 

$Min.  B.  A.  and  Tnomas  Hodgkins;  Com.  and  Pot.  Nar. 

||Green.  Eccl.  his.  p.  174    Eld.  Case's  Com.H 


CHURCH  IN  READF1ELD.  129 

called  Readfield,  became  an  incorporated  town  in  1790. 
The  central  positions  in  these  settlements  being  occupied 
by  the  Congregationalists,  the  Baptists  were  limited  to  some 
outer  neighborhoods.  Here  they  commenced,  and  here 
they  accomplished  much  good  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
souls. 

In  1791,  both  parishes,  Winthrop  and  Readfield,  being 
destitute  of  stated  preaching,  Eld.  Potter  found  his  way 
there,  but  devoted  his  efforts  to  the  interests  of  the  people 
residing  in  the  south-east  corner  of  Readfield,  and  in  the 
vicinity  now  called  "  East  Winthrop."  By  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  his  labors,  and  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  the 
converts  in  Sidney,  where  a  special  revival  was  in  progress 
under  the  ministry  of  Eld.  Potter,  some  persons  became 
pious  Baptists  in  Winthrop  and  Readfield.  This  prepared 
the  way  for  more  extended  efforts  by  the  Baptists.  Rev. 
Isaac  Case,  of  Thomaston,  was  the  next  Baptist  preacher 
to  operate  here.  He  came  in  the  spring  of  1792,  while  on 
a  mission  to  the  destitute  in  Oxford  County.  Finding  some 
pious  Baptists  here,  destitute  and  unbaptized,  surrounded 
by  a  growing  community,  he  spent  several  weeks  among 
them,  baptized  several,  and  returned  to  Thomaston,  leaving 

promise  to  visit  them  again  in  a  few  months.  He  re- 
deemed his  promise,  and  while  with  them  baptized  several 
more.  The  baptized  believers  in  this  vicinity  desiring 
other  gospel  privileges,  Eld.  Case  proceeded  to  organize 
them  into  a  regular  church,  to  be  called  the  Baptist  church 
in  Winthrop.  For  want  of  a  more  convenient  place,  the 
meeting  on  this  occasion  was  held  in  a  barn.  It  was  nev- 
ertheless a  joyous  season  to  the  twenty  happy  souls  then 
united  in  church  fellowship. 

Elder  Case  became  deeply  interested  for  this  little 
church ;  and  although  pleasantly  settled,  with  a  large 
church  in  Thomaston,  he  could  not  resist  the  invitation  to 


130  CHURCH  IN  READFIELD. 

become  their  pastor.  He  yielded  to  their  request,  removed 
his  family  to  Readfield  where  they  now  peacefully  reside, 
and  took  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church.  Monthly  additions 
were  made  to  this  infant  church  during  the  summer,  giving 
it  a  total  of  thirty-five,  when  it  united  with  the  Bowdoin- 
ham  Association.  This  new  situation  was  surrounded  by 
several  inviting  fields,  which  Elder  Case  did  not  fail  to 
occupy. 

During  the  autumn  of  1792,  by  request  he  visited  the 
lower  part  of  the  town,  or  a  neighborhood,  immediately 
joining  the  west  part  of  Augusta.  God  went  with  him,  and 
at  the  end  of  a  few  months,  thirty-five  happy  converts  were 
added  to  the  church,  making  their  number  seventy.  This 
last  addition  brought  into  the  church,  persons  who  resided 
in  Hallowell  and  Augusta.  The  centre  of  territory  now 
embraced  within  the  limits  of  the  church,  was  therefore  in 
the  south-east  corner  of  Readfield ;  and  here,  in  1793, 
house  for  the  worship  of  God  was  erected,  which  was  the 
first  Baptist  meeting  house  in  this  part  of  the  State.  The 
name  of  the  church  was  now  changed  to  '  Readfield.'* 

Elder  Case,  after  holding  the  pastoral  office  in  this  church 
with  pleasure  to  himself  and  profit  to  the  people,  resigned 
his  charge  for  the  purpose  of  devoting  his  time  to  mission- 
ary efforts.  He  has,  however,  aided  the  church  when  des- 
titute of  a  pastor,  with  his  occasional  ministry.  When  he 
took  up  his  pastoral  relation,  this  church  numbered  only 
fifty-seven,  large  dismissions  having  been  made  to  aid  in 
forming  other  churches.  At  one  time,  the  church  held 
members  from  Winthrop,  Hallowell,  Augusta,  Mt.  Vernon, 
Belgrade  and  Monmouth. 

The  church  was  now  destitute  for  several  years,  and 
having  but  a  small  amount  of  ministerial  privileges,  like  the 
Israelites  in  the  absence  of  Moses,  they  became  worldly, 

*Eldcr  Case's  Journal— Win  Bow.  Ass.,  1793. 


CHURCH  IN  READFIELD.  131 

and  consequently  had  little  prosperity.  In  1804,  Elder 
Pillsbury,  of  Sedgwick,  made  the  church  a  visit,  which 
was  to  them  like  the  return  of  Moses  from  the  Mount. 
He  preached  about  one  year,  and  sixty  were  added  to  the 
church.  The  church  was  now  destitute  of  a  pastor  two 
years,  but  prospered.  Rev.  Robert  Low  took  up  his  resi- 
dence in  Readfield,  in  1807,  and  the  same  year  was  elected 
pastor  of  the  church.  And  for  a  period  of  eight  years  the 
church  received  a  gradual  increase  under  his  ministry. 
His  labors  closed  September  10,  1815,  and  he  was  suc- 
ceeded in  the  pastoral  charge  by  Rev.  Josiah  Houghton, 
who  was  eminently  blessed  in  his  ministry  to  the  church, 
for  a  period  of  seven  years.  This  period  was  succeeded 
by  one  of  two  years  which  constitutes  an  important  era  in 
the  history  of  this  church.  In  1824,  by  invitation,  Oren 
Tracy,  a  licentiate,  and  student  of  Waterville  college, 
came  and  preached  to  the  church.  The  work  of  the  Lord 
appeared,  and  a  general  revival  was  experienced  in  all  the 
immediate  vicinity.  The  year  previous,  the  brethren 
residing  in  East  Winthrop,  erected  their  commodious  house 
of  worship.  Here  the  work  of  revival  was  powerful  that 
year,  in  connection  with  the  ministry  of  Phinehas  Bond, 
who  was  also  a  licentiate.  The  occasional  visits  of  Elder 
Otis  Briggs  and  J.  Haines,  were  made  beneficial  in 
the  work,  and  in  1824,  a  church  was  organized  here. 
Seventy-five  were  dismissed  to  aid  that  organization,  from 
the  church  in  Readfield,  which  left  that  church  with  a  small 
total  of  members.  But  the  revival  under  the  ministry  of 
Mr.  Tracy,  more  than  restored  its  numerical  strength, 
seventy-seven  being  added  by  baptism.* 

Since  that  period  this  church  has  had  four  pastors; 
Rev.  Joseph  Torry,  from  February  18,  1826,  to  Nov.  11, 
1830;  Elder  Robert  Low,  from  1832  to  1834;  Rev.  Wm. 

*Ch.  Records. 


132  CHURCH  IN  FAYETTE. 

Johnson,  from  1834  to  1837  ;  and  Rev.  Wm.  Smith,  from 
1837  to  1841,  and  is  now  destitute.  During  this  last 
period  of  the  church's  existence  it  has  moved  on  in  love, 
but  has  sustained  a  loss  of  members. 

James  Murphy,  Samuel  Fogg,  Thomas  Goldthwait,  E. 
J.  White  and  Wm.  Cross,  were  first  members  of  this 
church,  but  officiated  in  the  ministry  elsewhere.  The 
churches,  Mt.  Vernon,  Belgrade,  first  Hallowell,  Winthrop 
and  Hallowell  Cross  Roads,  owe  their  origin  mainly  to  the 
influence  of  this  church.  It  has  a  new  and  commodious 
meeting  house,  built  near  where  the  old  one  stood,  and 
dedicated  in  1839  ;  and  has  a  total  of  seven  members.* 

FAYETTE,  (first  called  STERLING.)  The  original  settle- 
ment in  Fayette  was  called  first  '  Taytonstown,'  and  second 
'  Sterling,'  and  then  incorporated  with  its  present  name. 
It  was  begun  in  1788.  Rev.  Eliphalet  Smith,  of  Massa- 
chusetts, first  introduced  the  gospel,  in  1790.  The  people 
were  then  poor,  but  industrious,  and  lived  in  log  houses 
covered  with  bark.  Some  few  became  pious  by  Mr.  Smith's 
labors.  Rev.  I.  Case  visited  them  in  1792.  He  says,  he 
'  found  that  it  then  was  in  contemplation  to  form  a  church 
upon  the  '  mixed  communion'  plan,  Mr.  Smith  being  an 
'  open  communionist.'  He  says,  further,  that  an  attempt 
was  made  to  convince  him  of  its  scriptural  propriety  ; 
whereupon  he  proposed  the  following  simple  question  :  '  If 
a  person  should  come  to  your  house  and  you  should  invite 
him  to  walk  in,  but  he  should  object  to  coming  in  at  the 
door,  would  you  take  down  one  side  of  your  house  to  ac- 
commodate him  ?'*  This  simple  question  was  to  them  full 
of  meaning,  and  led  them  to  see  that  their  views  upon  the 
subject  were  incorrect,  and  to  embrace  believers'  baptism 
as  the  only  proper  way  to  church  communion.  Before 
Eld.  Case  left  the  settlement,  a  conference  was  held,  and 

*Ch.  Records,  and  Elder  Case's  Com.          fMr.  Case's  Jour. 


CHURCH  IN  FAYETTE.  13$ 

Mr.  O.  Billings  and  wife,  with  others,  requested  baptism, 
whom  he  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  to  that  gospel  ordi- 
nance. By  the  advice  of  Mr.  C.,  a  council  was  convened 
in  Aug.  1792,  who  organized  a  church  of  twenty-three 
members.  The  same  year,  Mr.  Smith  was  elected  its  first 
pastor.  The  subject  of  communion  being  now  settled,  the 
church  in  union  and  love,  advanced  prosperously.  Mr. 
Smith  continued  pastor  six  years.  The  whole  of  his  labors 
were  not  however  devoted  to  the  benefit  of  this  church. 
When  the  church  was  not  supplied  with  preaching,  the 
reading  of  a  discourse  constituted  a  part  of  the  service  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  Mr.  Oliver  Billings  was  appointed  one  of 
the  principal  conductors  of  their  meetings. 

Notwithstanding  these  brethren  were  subjected  to  those 
laborious  toilings  for  subsistence  peculiar  to  anew  country, 
and  in  1794  to  the  expense  of  building  a  house  of  worship, 
they  did  not  forget  the  wants  of  their  pastor.  It  was  *  voted 
that  each  individual  should  carry  in  as  much  corn  or  grain 
as  he  should  see  fit,  to  defray  church  expenses.'*  In  1798, 
Mr.  Smith  closed  his  ministry  with  the  church.  Mr.  Bil- 
lings having  received  the  approbation  of  the  church  to 
preach,  was  ordained  in  1800  as  an  evangelist,  but  shortly 
after  became  pastor,  and  continued  actively  engaged  in  the 
faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  that  office  until  the  infirm- 
ities of  age  laid  him  aside. 

The  church  has  had  several  associate  pastors,  who  have 
sustained  the  active  duties  of  the  office,;  and  perhaps  no 
church  in  the  State  has  been  blessed  with  more  signal  re- 
vivals. In  1804  and  '05,  by  the  united  labors  of  the  pastor 
and  Rev.  P.  Pilsbury,  seventy-seven  were  added  to  the 
church  as  the  rich  harvest  of  a  revival ; — in  1816  and  '17, 
another  revival,  added  sixty-nine ; — in  1824  and  '25,  Rev. 

John  Haynes  acting  pastor,  seventy-two  were  added ; — and 

j 

•"Church  Records. 
7 


134      CHURCH  IN  MISCONGU3  ISLE  AND  BRISTOL. 

while  Rev.  Josiah  Hoaghton,  and  Rev.  L.  C,  Stevens  were 
associate  pastors,  there  were  revivals  with  somewhat  less 
additions.  Rev.  P.  Bond,  their  present  pastor,  entered 
upon  his  duties  in  the  church  in  1841.  In  1842,  the 
church  was  called  to  part  with  their  aged,  their  affection- 
ately beloved  and  venerable  pastor,  Rev.  O.  Billings'. 

They  have  a  new  and  commodious  house,  dedicated  Jan. 
10,  1838.  It  has  had  three  regular  pastors,  Smith,  Billings, 
and  Bond;  and  four  associate  pastors,  Martin,  Haynes, 
Houghton,  and  Stevens.  Those  who  have  assisted  their 
aged  pastor  (Eld.  B.)  at  different  stated  times,  are  Elders 
P.  Pilsbury.  J.  Palmer,  C.  Marble,  S.  Dinsmore,  (who  died 
among  them  in  1827)  J.  Butler,  S.  Fogg,  E.  W.  Garrison, 
Thomas  Wyman,  and  Caleb  Clarke.  Rev.  John  Billings, 
was  son  of  Eld.  O.  Billings,  and  professed  religion  in  this 
church ;  also,  Rev.  R.  Y.  Watson,  present  pastor  of  the 
churches,  Hancock  and  Sullivan,  first  united  with  this  body. 
This  church  has  always  been  eminently  distinguished  for  a 
missionary  spirit,  and  the  churches,  '  East  Lirermore  and 
Chesterville,'  owe  their  existence,  in  part,  to  its  influence. 
It  is  still  a  prosperous  and  influential  church,  with  one 
hundred  and  forty-seven  members,  and  an  efficient  pastor,* 

MISCONGUS  ISLE  AND  BRISTOL.  Miscongus  Island  lies 
at  the  mouth  of  Damariscotta  river,  and  is  separated  from 
Bristol,  by  a  small  strait.  A  small  Baptist  church  was 
gathered  here  in  1792,  consisting  of  nineteen  members. 
By  whose  influence  they  became  Baptists,  is  not  certainly 
known,  but  most  probable  by  the  occasional  preaching  of 
brethren  Case,  Macomber  and  others.  Andrew  Fuller  was 
ordained  at  Nobleborough  in  1794,  and  the  same  year  be- 
came pastor  here,  but  remained  with  the  church  but  about 
four  years.  Connected  with  his  labors,  there  was  a  small 
increase.  Rev.  Samuel  Flagg  was  ordained  pastor  of  this 

*Rcv.  L.  C.  Stevens's  Com.  and  Eld. Case's  Journal. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE.  135 

church  in  1808.  He  had  rendered  them  important  services 
previous  to  his  settlement,  and  subsequently,  he  continued 
to  assist  the  church  for  a  period  of  about  thirty-two  years, 
with  but  little  encouragement  or  success.  A  few  of  the 
members  residing  on  the  main,  in  Bristol,  it  took  the  name 
it  now  bears  in  1807.  Bristol  was  first  called  '  Pemaquid,' 
and  was  among  the  earliest  settlements  on  this  part  of  the 
coast  of  Maine  ;  and  a  Presbyterian  church  was  organized 
as  early  as  1766,  on  the  '  Westminster  Confession  or  Pres- 
byterian rules.'  The  Pedo-baptist  faith  has  ever  since  held 
the  power  of  influence  in  Bristol.  Since  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Flagg,  the  church  has  been  destitute,  tried  and  en- 
feebled. It  had  forty-six  members  in  1843,  having  been 
cheered  that  year  with  an  addition  often  by  baptism.* 

FIRST  LIVERMORE.  The  first  settler  in  this  town,  says 
Elder  Case,  was  '  Dea.  Livermore,  an  Arminian  Congrega- 
tionalist.'  He  made  an  opening  in  the  wilderness  about  the 
year  1780.t  In  1792,  there  was  a  number  of  inhabitants 
in  town,  with  not  much  gospel  preaching,  and  but  few  who 
gave  evidence  of  piety.  But  their  religious  character  was 
soon  changed.  The  first  revival  was  in  1793.t  This  work 
of  grace  commenced  in  a  somewhat  singular  way.  Mr.  Z 
Delano,  who  subsequently  became  a  Baptist  preacher,  but 
then  a  thoughtless  sinner,  while  on  a  visit  in  Winthrop, 
heard  a  sermon  preached  by  Elder  Case,  in  the  Congrega- 
tional meeting  house,  from  Rom.  1  :  5.  While  listening  to 
the  preacher,  the  Lord  discovered  to  him  his  '  sin  and  his 
wretched  condition  as  a  sinner.'t  Mr.  D.  returned  home 
'  filled  with  a  sense  of  his  own  ways,'  and  '  remained  in  a 
distressed  state  of  mind  several  months.t  Mr.  D.  submit- 
ted to  Christ  in  the  winter  of  '93,  and  opened  the  worship 
of  God  in  his  own  family,  but  revealed  not  his  piety  to 
his  neighbors.  His  light,  however,  was  not  to  be  shut  up 

-  M i n.  B .  and  1 .  A.        tElder  Case's  com. 


136  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE. 

always  within  the  walls  of  his  own  house.  It  must  shine 
out.  An  interesting  providence  of  God  brought  it  forth. 
Elisha  Williams,  son  of  a  Congregational  minister,  of  East 
Hartford,  Conn.,  a  liberally  educated  young  man,  was  at 
that  time  in  Livermore,  teaching  school.  One  morning 
while  passing  to  the  school-house,  he  had  occasion  to  call 
on  Mr.  Delano.  He  found  Mr.  D.  in  the  midst  of  his 
family  conducting  his  religious  devotions.  This  was  un- 
expected by  Mr.  W.,  not  knowing  of  a  pious  family  in  the 
town,  and  being  himself  careless  of  religious  things.  The 
event  was  blessed  to  Mr.  W.  He  thought  of  himself — his 
advantages — his  neglect  of  God  and  religion.  He  left  Mr. 
D.,  bat  '  before  he  reached  his  school  he  was  so  over- 
whelmed with  a  sense  of  his  lost  condition,  that  he  was 
constrained  to  call  upon  God  for  mercy.'  That  mercy  soon 
appeared.  He  became  a  happy  convert.*  This  was  the 
commencement  of  a  work  of  mercy  among  the  people. 
Those  who  became  pious  were  privileged  with  clear  and 
cheering  views  of  the  gospel  plan,  and  were  bold  to  invite 
sinners  to  Christ.  Yet  the  impenitent  were  violent  in  their 
opposition.*  Still  the  grace  of  God  prevailed,  and  although  a 
Pedo-baptist  orthodoxy  had  the  power  of  influence  previous 
to  this  revival,  several  became  Baptists;  and  in  August  of 
'93,  a  church  of  their  faith  was  regularly  constituted.  In 
this  revival,  Elder  Case  and  Mr.  Smith,  of  Fayette,  were  the 
principal  Baptist  ministers,  and  Mr.  S.  aided  the  church  for  a 
short  period  after  it  was  organized.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams, 
after  much  prayer  and  study  of  the  scriptures,  were  convinc- 
ed of  the  incorrectness  of  their  Pedo-baptist  notions,  and 
were  baptized  and  united  with  this  church,  and  subsequent- 
ly Mr.  W.  very  eminently  distinguished  himself  as  a  min- 
ister of  the  gospel. 

The  Baptists  found  opposition  not  only  from  the  world, 

"Elder  Case's  com. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE.  137 

but  from  some  who  ought  to  have  been  friendly  to  the  cause 
of  truth.  There  were  several  respectable,  moral  and  edu- 
cated Congregational  persons,  who  retained  their  faith 
through  the  revival.  They  were  opposed  '  to  the  doctrines  of 
grace,'  and  '  set  about  forming  a  church  upon  the  Arminian 
Congregational  plan.'  To  aid  them  in  the  work,  they 
sent  for  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson  of  Freeport.  He  came,  and 
'  while  attending  to  the  business  for  which  he  was  called, 
he  rather  made  light  of  the  revival,  considering  it  of  but 
little  consequence.'  The  church,  '  as  it  was  called,'  was 
organized.  Shortly  after  they  applied  to  a  Mr.  Ezekiel 
Emerson,  to  visit  them  and  administer  the  sacrament  to 
the  church.  He  came,  but  before  proceeding  to  grant  the 
privilege  desired,  he  examined  their  articles  of  faith,  and 
condemned  them  as  heterodox.  He  was  a  '  good  man,' 
and  preached  the  gospel  to  them,  for  which  he  was  accused 
by  them  of  favoring  the  Baptists.  His  preaching  was 
nevertheless  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  several  of 
this  small  band.  They  were  converted  to  God,  became 
Baptists,  and  their  church  was  soon  found  among  the 
'  things  that  were.'  Rev.  S.  Boardman  and  Rev.  Ransom 
Norton,  were  among  those  whom  God  called  at  that  time 
with  an  holy  calling.  After  these  things  passed  away,  the 
Baptists  moved  on  in  their  cause  having  no  serious  obstacles 
to  resist  their  progress.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  and  an  inter- 
esting fact  connected  with  these  early  successes  of  the 
Baptists,  that  God  raised  up  as  fruits  of  these  first  efforts, 
four  who  have  been  good  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ; — Elders 
Zebedee  Delano,  Elisha  Williams,  Sylvanus  Boardman, 
and  Ransom  Norton.  Six  other  ministers,  distinguished 
for  usefulness,  have  gone  out  from  this  church ; — Henry 
Bond,  Otis  Robinson,  William  Godding,  Thomas  Wy man, 
Jason  Livermore,  and  William  Wvman.*  The  original 
*Ekler  Case's  coin. 


138  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE. 

members  were  seventeen  in  number,  (ten  males  and  seven 
females.)  The  first  nine  years  from  its  organization  it  had 
no  pastor,  but  was  assisted  by  occasional  preaching  ;  and 
having  within  itself  many  valuable  gifts,  it  increased  in 
numbers  and  influence.  It  deserves  to  be  recorded  that 
Isaac  Lovell,  one  of  these  original  members,  distinguished 
himself  by  his  benevolence  and  liberality.  He  sustained 
a  large  share  in  the  erection  of  their  second  house  of  wor- 
ship, and  at  his  death  he  made  a  donation  to  the  church 
of  about  $600,  to  aid  the  support  of  the  gospel. 

Mr.  Boardman  was  ordained  its  first  pastor  Feb.  2d, 
1802,  and  1810,  by  his  request  was  dismissed  from  his 
charge  of  the  church.  Mr.  Boardman  being  the  first  set- 
tled minister  in  the  town,  obtained  by  a  vote  of  the  town 
the  lands  reserved  for  such,  a  boon  which  few  Baptist  min- 
isters in  this  State  ever  gained.  The  church  has  also 
enjoyed  a  portion  of  a  fund  arising  from  other  lands  designed 
for  the  support  of  the  ministry  in  town. 

Mr.  Boardman  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  office  in 
this  church  by  Rev.  John  Haynes,  who  entered  upon  its 
duties  May,  1811,  and  was  successfully  engaged  for  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  church  until  1822.  Since  his 
resignation  the  church  has  been  supplied  by  several  min- 
isters and  pastors  successively  employed ;  Rev.  David 
Nutter  from  1824,  nine  or  ten  years ;  Rev.  R.  Milner,  one 
year;  Rev.  Nathan  Chapman,  from  Brewster,  Mass.,  from 
1836,  two  years ;  Rev.  Chas.  Miller,  from  1839  to  1843. 
[J.  Billings  is  their  present  pastor.] 

This  church  has  been  blessed  with  several  seasons  of 
revival,  which  increased  their  numbers  by  large  additions. 
It  has  also  aided  the  organization  of  four  churches  in  its 
vicinity  by  numerous  dismissions,  and  still  has  a  total  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy-three  members.* 

*Rev.  John  Haynes's  com. 


FIRST  tJHORCH  IN  NOBLEHORO.'  139 

FIRST  NOBLEBOROUGH.  As  early  as  1787,  there  were 
a  few  Baptists  in  Nobleboro.'*  Elders  Case,  Potter  and 
Woodard  were  instrumental  in  planting  the  principles  of 
the  Baptists  here  ;  and  twelve  having  embraced  their  doc- 
trines, were  by  brethren  Case  and  Woodard,  constituted 
into  a  church  in  1793.t  They  were  small,  and  destitute 
of  a  pastor,  and  travelling  preachers  having  a  wide  field 
open  in  the  interior  of  the  State,  and  being  constantly 
pressed  with  earnest  solicitations  to  occupy  that  field, 
could  afford  the  small  churches  along  the  coast  but  little 
if  any  aid.  This  church,  therefore,  made  slow  progress. 
In  1808,  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  sent  to  their  assistance 
Re*.  Phinehas  Pilsbury,  who  was  ordained  at  Fayette,  Jan. 
3d,  1805,  and  whom  God  had  made  a  distinguished  blessing 
of  spiritual  mercy  to  the  people  in  many  places.  Brighter 
scenes  now  began  to  open  before  this  church,  and  the  pre- 
diction made  by  Elder  Case  on  the  first  baptismal  occasion 
in  that  place,  that  'God  had  glorious  things  for  Noble- 
borough,'  began  now  to  be  fvilfilled.  The  history  of  the 
Baptists  in  N.  from  that  period  proves  that  Elder  C.  was 
not  mistaken  in  his  impression.  A  revival  commenced 
with  the  labors  of  Elder  Pilsbury,  and  he  soon  by  election, 
became  its  first  pastor,  and  for  a  period  of  twenty-seven 
years,  he  was  joyfully  employed  in  the  office ;  and  under  his 
ministry  the  church  rose  from  a  '  little  one  to  be  a  strong 
nation,'  and  the  beautiful  vine,  bearing  several  fruithful 
branches.  The  first  revival  swelled  its  number  from  twen- 
ty-two to  seventy-nine; — a  second  in  1815,  added  by  bap- 
tism one  hundred  and  twelve ; — a  third  in  1824,  added 
one  hundred  and  thirty-one — and  during  the  intervals  of 
these  revivals,  there  were  occasional  additions,  but  not 
sufficient  to  prevent  a  net  loss  of  members,  so  that  the 
prosperity  of  the  church  has  been  somewhat  periodical. 

*See  his.  Thomas  ton  Ch.     fEld.  Case's  Jour. 


140  CHURCH  IN  GREENE. 

Elder  P.  was  succeeded  in  1836,  by  Rev.  Enos  Trask, 
who  became  its  second  pastor.  As  commenced  the  pas- 
toral labors  of  Elder  P.,  so  did  the  ministry  of  Mr.  T.,  with 
a  precious  revival,  which  added  to  the  church  one  hundred 
and  fifty-one  by  baptism.  The  same  year  fifty-four  were 
dismissed  to  constitute  a  third  church  in  the  town.  In 
1840  and  '41,  there  were  forty-one  added,  and  fourteen 
dismissed  to  constitute  a  church  at  Damariscotta  Mills ; 
and  in  1842,  sixty-nine  more  were  added  as  the  fruits  of  a 
sixth  revival.  Elder  Trask  is  still  faithfully  and  success- 
fully engaged  with  this  interesting  and  highly  favored 
church,  with  a  present  total  of  two  hundred  and  ninety- 
nine  members.* 

GREENE.  Soon  after  a  settlement  was  commenced,  Rev. 
James  Potter  carried  the  gospel  to  the  people.  Several 
professed  Christ  and  united  with  the  church  in  Lewiston, 
and  with  that  church  enjoyed  many  precious  seasons.  In 
1793,  they  were  dismissed  from  L.,  and  by  brethren  Case, 
Potter  and  Macomber,  were  regularly  organized  into  a 
church  of  Christ,  consisting  of  twenty-seven  members.t 
Mr.  Potter  afforded  them  much  assistance  by  his  frequent 
visits  and  labors,  until  they  were  blessed  with  a  pastor. 
There  w;as  some  revival  in  1794,  which  added  nineteen  to 
the  church.  Rev.  Lemuel  Jackson,  of  Sidney,  became 
the  first  pastor  in  1797 — soon  after  he  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  his  office  in  the  church,  another  season  of  mercy 
added  thirty-five  more  to  its  number.J 

A  brief  notice  of  Lemuel  Cummings,  the  first  deacon  of 
this  church,  constitutes  an  interesting  item  in  its  history. 
Mr.  C.  was  born  in  Charlestown,  Mass.,  1745,  removed  to 
Maine  in  1775,  and  made  a  permanent  residence  in  the 
town  of  Greene.  He  was  a  pious  Congregationalism  The 

*EId.  Case's  com.  and  Min.  Bow.  and  Lin.  A.    fEld.  Case's  Jour. 
tMin.  B.  A.    Pot.  Nar.    Eld.  Case's  Journal. 


CHURCH  IN  GREENE.  141 

new  settlement  was  then  entirely  destitute  of  the  preaching 
of  the  gospel,  and  Mr.  C.  felt  for  their  salvation.     Like 
Nehemiah,  he  first  prayed  and  then  proceeded  to  exertion. 
By  his  suggestion  the  people  began  to  assemble  on  the 
Sabbath  for  religious  services  some   time  previous  to  the 
efforts  of  Elder  Potter,  and  Mr.  C.  officiated  as  leader  in 
these  meetings,  prayed,  read,  exhorted,  and  was  instru- 
mental in  the  conversion  of  some  souls.     During  the  first 
Baptist  movements,  Mr.  C.  was  very  indifferent  as  regards 
the  ordinance  of  baptism  ;  having  never  investigated  the 
subject,  he  passed  it  off  with  the  old  trite  remark,  '  It  is 
not  essential.'     At  length,  however,  his  mind  was  impressed 
with  several  inquiries  upon  the  subject.     He  revealed  his 
convictions  to  no  one,  but  pursued  his  investigations  alone, 
the  result  of  which  was  a  firm  belief  that  '  Christ  was 
immersed  in  the  river  Jordan,  as  an  example  and  pattern 
to  all  his  followers.'     He  was  now  baptized  by  Rev.  Wm. 
Stinson,  united  to  the  church,  and  became  its  worthy  and 
highly  useful  deacon,  in  which  office  he  served  the  church 
till  age  induced  him  to  resign,    and  give   place  to  his  son 
Lemuel,  who  experienced  and   professed  piety  in  the  time 
of  the  previous  revival  in  1805,  by  the  labors  of  Rev.  Phin- 
ehas  Pilsbury.*      From  1802  to  1808  the  church  had  no 
pastor,  but  provided  with  a  gift  like  that  of  Dea.  C.,  it  could 
hardly  fail  of  prosperity.     As  has  been  remarked,  in  1805 
there  was  some  revival,  and  the  church  enlarged.  In  1808, 
Rev.  Thomas  Wyman  preached  for  the-  church   one  year, 
and   an   interesting  revival   was  experienced.     The  next 
year  Rev.  John  Daggett  became  pastor.  Another  glorious 
season  of  refreshing  was  experienced  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  in  1817.     This  increased   the   church  by  sixty 
new  members.     Mr.  D.  was  pastor  ten  years.     From  1821 
to  1824,  the  church  was  again  without  a  pastor,  and  suffered 

*Waterville  Intelligencer. 

7* 


142  CHURCH  IN  WAYNE. 

a  loss  of  members.  Rev.  Daniel  Pierce  now  became  pastor. 
In  1826,  the  Lord  appeared  again  in  the  plenitude  of  his 
grace,  and  blest  the  church  with  a  most  luxuriant  harvest. 
Seventy-four  were  added  by  baptism.  Rev.  D.  Nutter, 
and  other  ministers  in  the  vicinity,  aided  the  work.  Mr. 
P.  closed  his  care  of  the  church  in  1828  ;  since  which 
time  the  church  has  had  several  ministers  and  pastors,  by 
whom  their  pulpit  has  been  generally  supplied.  Rev.  S. 
Fogg  supplied  from  1829—1831  ;  D.  P.  Bailey  from  1833 
to  1835,  when  he  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist ;  in  1839 
the  venerable  father  P.  Pilsbury  became  pastor,  and  the 
next  year  the  church  were  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  fifty- 
four  by  baptism.  This  aged  pastor  is  still  laboring  suc- 
cessfully in  this  church.* 

This  church  has  built  a  second  house  of  worship,  has 
licensed,  ordained,  and  sent  into  the  gospel  field  two  min- 
isters— Rev.  Reuben  Curtis,  and  Rev.  D.  P.  Bailey.  Its 
present  number  of  members  is  186. 

WAYNE,  (first  called  NEW  SANDWICH.)  The  next  church 
gathered  by  the  Baptists  in  the  interior  of  the  State 
was  in  this  settlement.  Some  of  their  travelling  preachers 
occasionally  passed  through  the  place,  and  preached  to  the 
few  inhabitants,  by  means  of  which  several  persons  be- 
came pious.  As  a  consequence,  meetings  for  social  wor- 
ship were  commenced,  and  held  statedly,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  1793.  This  year  Elder  Potter  visited  them,  and 
several  more  were  converted  under  his  ministry,  all  of 
whom  he  baptized  ;  and  the  next  year,  January  9th,  they 
were,  by  a  council,  organized  into  a  regular  Baptist  church, 
consisting  of  eleven  members,  (nine  males  and  two  fe- 
males.) For  many  years  this  feeble  church  was  assisted 
and  edified  with  occasional  preaching.  JSld.  Potter,  Jack- 
son, and  Case  were  among  them  frequently,  and  the  As- 

*Min.  Bow.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  WAYNE.  143 

sociation  did  not  forget  them  in  the  distribution  of  their 
voluntary  supplies  to  the  destitute.  By  these  aids,  the 
church  made  a  slow  progress,  obtaining  an  annual  net 
increase  for  a  period  of  six  years. 

Several  persons  had  united  with  this  church  from  the 
settlement,  called  Littleboro',  now  the  town  of  Leeds, 
among  whom  was  Thomas  Francis,  who  was  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  in  1798  ;  and  in  1800,  the  church 
was  diminished  by  the  dismission  of  Mr.  F.  and  several 
others,  to  constitute  a  church  in  that  settlement.  Though 
now  enfeebled,  the  church  was  like  the  little  host  of  Joshua, 
'  faint  yet  pursuing.'  From  1800  to  1817,  being  desti- 
tute, and  favored  with  but  a  small  amount  of  ministerial 
assistance,  the  church  passed  through  much  adversity,  the 
members  were  scattered  and  diminished.  But  that  Eye 
that  never  slumbers,  watched  over  them,  and  that  Redee- 
mer that  never  forgets  his  own,  in  1817,  by  raising  up  one 
of  their  number,  Nathan  Thomas,  to  break  unto  them  the 
bread  of  life,  opened  pleasant  prospects  before  them.  Mr. 
T.  was  qualified  with  a  license,  and  the  church  strength- 
ened by  his  ministry,  returned  to  the  sanctuary  as  one  that 
ariseth  out  of  obscurity.  From  this  time  to  1828,  the 
church  was  greeted  with  annual  additions,  which  prepared 
its  members  for  the  reception  of  richer  blessings  which 
was  then  in  reserve  for  them.  During  the  years  1829  and 
'30,  the  church  was  like  one  leaning  on  the  bosom  of  her 
beloved.  The  revival  then  experienced,  constitutes  a 
pleasing  era  in  its  history.  Its  number  was  more  than 
tripled,  and  the  increase  of  faith,  joy  and  ability,  held  an 
encouraging  ratio  to  the  increase  of  members.  This  revi- 
val was  promoted  by  the  faithful  labors  of  Rev.  Ezra 
Going,  who  was  then  their  preacher. 

This  church  has  had  five  regular  pastors  ;  Wm.  Godding, 
1802—1806;  Nathan  Thomas,  1817—1819;  T.  B.  Rob- 


144  SECOND  CHURCH  IN   WEBSTER. 

inson,  1831—1835;  D.  P.  Bailey,  1836—1838;  R.  C. 
Starr,  1841 — 1843.  It  has  received  also  for  stated  pe- 
riods, the  ministry  of  several  useful  preachers.  It  has  sent 
two  ministers,  Thomas  Francis*  and  Nathan  Thomes,  into 
the  gospel  field.  As  a  general  remark,  as  regards  its  pas- 
tors, they  were  good  men,  faithful  preachers  and  prudent 
pastors.  The  church  and  society  have  formerly  had  some 
perplexity  about  their  house  of  worship,  which,  at  first,  was 
a  '  union  house,'  but  now,  being  the  principal  owners, 
they  peacefully  worship  there.t 

WEBSTER  SECOND.     The  history  of  this  church  is  some- 
what singular.     The  original  town  of  Bowdoin  embraced 
a  large  territory.     That  part  where  this  church  was  first 
located,  was  called,  in  1799,  Thompsonborough ;  in  1802, 
it  was  incorporated  by  the  name  of  Lisbon,  and  a  few  years 
since,  its  name  was  changed  to  Webster.     The  church 
here  was  constituted  of  about  twenty  members,  as  the  fruits 
of  the  occasional  ministry  of  brethren  Potter  and  Macom- 
ber,  in  1794.     It  has  passed  through  a  routine  of  names, 
and  has  undergone  a  reorganization.     It  was  called  the 
First  church  in  Lisbon  until  1836,  when  it  was  induced  to 
give  up  its  old  charter,  and  begin  anew,  with  the  name  of 
'  Lisbon  Corner.'     It  has  since  appeared  with  the  name 
Second   Lisbon,  and  now  Second    Webster,  leaving  the 
originally  Second  church  in  the  town  to  hold  the  First  in 
rank  and  name.     The  Baptists  in  this  town  have  never 
risen  to  a  high  eminence,  nor  acquired  a  very  great  influ- 
ence.    The  church  we  now  describe  has,  however,  had 
several  good  and  faithful  ministers,  and  many  worthy  and 
stable  members.     It  was  assisted  in  its  infancy  by  the  min- 
istry of  the  late  Elder  B.  Cole,  and  between  the  years 
1797  and  1800,  by  means  of  his  aid,  it  saw  its  best  and 
most  prosperous  days.     In  1803,  Rev.  Ichabod  Temple 

*See  His.  of  Leeds  Ch         fMin.  B.  A.— Pot.  Nar.— Zion's  Advocate. 


CHURCH  IN  HOPE.  145 

became  pastor,  but  resigned  his  charge  in  1806,  leaving 
the  church  with  a  loss  of  members.  In  1817,  Rev.  Daniel 
Pierce  received  license,  and  the  next  year  ordination,  in 
this  church,  and  it  enjoyed  some  revival  under  his  minis- 
try. In  1819,  Rev.  James  Stuart  became  a  member,  and 
was  beneficial  to  the  church ;  from  1820  to  1823,  Elder 
Pierce  again  afforded  the  church  some  ministerial  aid ; 
1825,  Rev.  S.  Owen  supplied  the  church  a  part  of  the 
time.  From  that  time  to  1836,  generally  destitute,  and 
favored  with  but  a  small  portion  of  preaching ;  but  since 
that  period,  Rev.  Jothani  Day  and  Rev.  A.  Lothrop  have 
rendered  important  aid.  Deacon  Joseph  Killgore  was 
among  the  early  members,  and  has  distinguished  himself 
for  devotedness  to  the  interests  of  the  church.  Its  present 
number  is  forty-three.* 

HOPE.  Baptists  began  to  increase  in  Union  and  in  the 
westerly  part  of  Hope,  then  called  Barrettstown,  previous  to 
1787.t  Soon  their  influence  was  felt  throughout  the  town. 
And  it  appears  from  the  best  data  of  facts  we  have,  that 
Ebenezer  Cox,  a  resident  Baptist,  was  the  first  to  make 
any  considerable  efforts  to  evangelize  the  people.  He  was 
among  them  in  1794.  Rev.  E.  Hall  came  to  their  aid 
about  the  beginning  of  1795;  and  although  there  was 
much  opposition  to  their  doctrines,  yet  a  few  having  pre- 
viously become  pious,  received  baptism  by  Mr.  Hall  in  Jan. 
of  that  year.  This  baptismal  season  was  the  first  in  the 
easterly  part  of  the  town,  where  this  church  exists.  The 
few  Baptists  in  the  westerly  part  of  the  town,  now  united 
with  those  in  the  easterly  part,  and  a  church  was  organ- 
ized by  Mr.  Hall  and  others,  at  the  dwell  ing-house  of  Dea. 
Samson  Sweetland,  in  1795.  It  consisted  of  eleven  mem- 
bers, seven  males  and  four  females.  These  brethren  re- 
mained united  in  one  body  until  1801,  when  those  who 

*Min.  B.  A.        fEkl.  Case's  Journal. 


146  CHURCH  IN  HOPE. 

resided  in  the  west  part  of  the  town,  were  dismissed  to 
form  a  new  church  in  Hope,  which  was  constituted  by 
brethren  Snow,  Hall  and  Fuller.*  It  has  been  supposed 
that  a  church  existed  in  the  west  part  of  the  town  previous 
to  1795.  But  we  find  no  evidence  of  its  existence. 

The  church  in  Hope  has  had  but  four  regular  pastors, 
who  have  devoted  all  their  attention  to  the  wants  of  the 
church.  Three  of  these  were  Elders  Andrew  Fuller,  from 
1798  to  1804 ;  James  Steward,t  1809  to  1812  ;  Isaac 
Smith,  1821  to  1823.|  Besides  these  pastors,  the  church 
has  had  a  succession  of  ministers,  who  have  labored  a  por- 
tion of  the  time  statedly.  These  were  Elders  E.  Hall, 
Lemuel  Rich,§  Daniel  Ricker,  Daniel  McMaster,  Eliab 
Coy,  and  Charles  G.  Porter.  These  servants  of  Christ 
were  all  useful  to  the  church.  It  should  be  stated  that  E. 
Cox  has  rendered  important  service  to  this  church  ;  first  as 
a  deacon,  then  a  licentiate,  and  then  as  an  ordained  evan- 
gelist, preaching  to  the  church  when  destitute,  to  a  con- 
siderable amount,  even  down  to  1840.  This  church  has 
been  blessed  with  many  precious  seasons  of  refreshing 
revivals,  the  most  distinguished  of  which  were  in  1799, 
1808,  and  1841.  It  has  furnished  three  gospel  ministers, 
Ebenezer  Cox,  ordained  at  Hope  Oct.  5,  1822 ;  Joseph 
H.  Melvin,  ordained  at  Knox,  Nov.  17,  1841 ;  and  Amos 
B.  Pendleton,  ordained  at  Hope,  Dec.  8,  1841.  This 
church  has  always  had  to  contend  with  strong  opposition 
from  various  sources ;  but  the  most  trying  has  been  sus- 
tained by  the  influence  of  the  delusive  doctrines  of  Univer- 
salism.  It  has  lived  out  the  storm,  and  continues  to  pros- 
per, enduring  all  its  trials  with  a  pious  fortitude.  It  has 
now  the  privilege  of  a  faithful  pastor,  Rev.  M.  Dunbar, 
ordained  in  1843,  and  has  a  total  of  ninety-five  members.|| 

*Rev.  Simon  Fuller's  Com.  and  Rev.  Mr.  Pendleton.  tMr.  Steward  is 
a  hyper-Calvinist ;  see  Biographical  notice,  (anecdote.)  JRev.  Melvin  Dun- 
bar,  1843.  §L.  Rich,  (see  B.  notice  ;  A.  B.  Pendlolon's  Com.)  ||Rev. 
A.  B.  Pencllelon's  com. 


CHURCH  IN  NEW  GLOUCESTER.  147 

NEW  GLOUCESTER.  Baptists  commenced  here  amidst 
much  opposition,  about  the  year  1780.  Elders  H.  Smith 
and  N.  Lord,  whose  names  have  already  appeared  in  these 
sketches,  were  the  first  Baptist  preachers  in  this  then  new 
settlement.  As  there  were  but  few  Baptist  ministers  in 
the  State,  their  visits  here  were  unfrequent,  but  were  in 
their  influence,  effectual  in  laying  the  foundation  for  the 
progress  of  gospel  truth.  June  26th,  1780,  occurred  the 
first  baptismal  occasion,  from  which  time  meetings  for  the 
worship  of  God  were  regularly  held  in  the  town  by  those 
favorable  to  the  Baptists.  They  were  favored  also,  when 
no  regular  Baptist  preacher  was  present,  with  occasional 
Free-will  Baptist  preaching.  In  1781,  Rev.  James  Potter 
visited  the  people.  He  says  he  '  found  most  of  the  pious 
among  them  embracing  Free-will  or  Arminian  sentiments;' 
which,  after  some  conversation  with  him,  some  of  them 
renounced  and  became  more  orthodox  in  their  faith.  Some 
revival  was  enjoyed,  and  a  few  others  converted ;  and  by 
Elder  P.  a  church  was  soon  organized,  consisting  of  about 
twenty.*  In  this  church  there  was  an  unhappy  admixture 
of  Calvinism  and  <Arminianism,  which  produced  an  effer- 
vescence, causing  much  altercation  and  trial. 

In  1782,  Mr.  Job  Macomber,  from  Middleboro',  Mass., 
came  to  their  aid,  and  by  license  preached  with  them  about 
one  year,  with  but  small  success,  as  the  discord  in  the 
church  still  continued.  In  1784,  Mr.  Merrill  was  ordained 
among  them,  who  labored  several  years  with  no  great  pros- 
perity. 

This  church  found  another  obstacle  to  their  progress. 
Like  other  churches  previously  formed  amidst  a  Pedo-bap- 
tist  influence,  they  were  seriously  oppressed.  A  Congre- 
gational minister  was  settled,  and  a  church  of  that  faith 
constituted  in  this  town  in  1765.t  Their  influence,  unin- 

*Pot.  Nar.  and  Rev.  J.  Tripp's  com.         fGreen.  Ecc.  his.  p.  117. 


148  CHURCH  IN  NEW  GLOUCESTER. 

terrupted  for  several  years,  gave  a  Pedo-baptist  modification 
to  the  religious  views  of  the  people.  As  a  consequence, 
Baptist  doctrines  were  generally  rejected.  More  than 
this  ; — they  were  oppressed — they  were  persecuted — and 
yet  they  prospered.  Their  prosperity  was  gained,  and 
their  conquest  won,  wholly  by  the  influence  of  candor  and 
divine  truth. 

Soon  after  the  Baptists  were  organized  into  a  church, 
to  avoid  the  evils  of  persecution,  and  to  secure  a  liberty  of 
conscience,  they,  on  application,  obtained  from  the  legis- 
lature the  privilege  of  being  incorporated  into  a  Baptist 
Society,  with  powers  and  privileges  equal  to  other  parishes. 
But  the  Baptists  soon  found  this  to  be  to  them  only  another 
form  of  bondage,  and  after  four  years  continuance,  the 
Society  was  dissolved.  The  church  then  proceeded  in 
simple  capacity,  met  and  endured  their  trials  alone.*  '  On 
several  occasions  they  were  compelled  to  pay  taxes  for 
the  support  of  ministers  they  never  heard  ;  and  in  whom 
they  had  no  confidence.  Often  was  their  property  seized 
by  the  officer,  and  sold  to  satisfy  the  persecuting  disposition 
of  the  '  Standing  Order. ,'t 

In  1793,  Rev.  Mr.  Potter  supplied  them  with  preaching 
a  part  of  the  time.  But  the  old  division  remained,  and 
finally  resulted  in  a  separation  and  dissolution  of  the  church. 
How  true  it  is,  '  a  house  divided  against  itself,  cannot 
stand.'  In  1794,  by  the  ministry  of  Eld.  P.  another  revival 
was  enjoyed,  and  all  those  persons  who  were  truly  ortho- 
dox Baptists,  twelve  in  number,  were,  on  the  16th  of  Oct. 
1794,  by  Messrs.  Potter,  Case,  and  others,  regularly  con- 
stituted into  a  church.  This  church  stands  as  if  built  on 
the  sure  foundation.  John  Warren,  Isaac  Gross,  and  D. 
Nelson,  were  its  first  deacons  ;  the  two  last  of  whom  were 
its  main  supporters,  and  by  them,  under  God,  was  carried 
through  its  fiery  trials.f 

*Re*  J.  Tripp's  com.     iMin.C.  A.  1842.     {Rev.  J.  Tripp's  com. 


CHURCH  IN  CLINTON.  149 

Rev.  Robert  Low  became  its  first  pastor  in  1800,  and 
resigned  in  1807.  He  has  been  succeeded  in  the  pastoral 
charge,  by  Elders  Daniel  D.  Lewis,  R.  C.  Starr,  Alvan 
Felch.  These  were  all  useful  pastors.  Rev.  E.  W.  Free- 
man and  Rev.  A.  Wilson,  have  also  preached  to  the  church 
with  acceptance  and  success.  They  now  worship  in  their 
second  house,  built  in  1837,  at  a  cost  of  §2500.  Since 
their  last  organization  in  1795,  it  has  been  blessed  with 
several  interesting  revivals,  besides  a  usual  and  uniform 
prosperity,  and  continues  to  be  an  influential  body  under 
the  ministrations  of  Rev.  Joseph  Ricker,  their  present  pas- 
tor, and  the  labors  of  O.  C.  Gross  and  David  Allen,  their 
present  deacons.  It  has  a  present  total  of  one  hundred  and 
fourteen  members.* 

CLINTON.  This  church,  was  gathered  in  1796  ;  and 
Mephibosheth  Cain,  who  had  been  instrumental  in  laying 
its  foundation,  became  pastor  the  same  year.  Eld.  Case 
assisted  in  his  ordination.  Previous  to  these  movements, 
Elders  Wilbur  and  Lewis  of  Sidney,  had  labored  occasion- 
ally and  with  some  success  in  Clinton,  Bloomfield,  and  in 
the  surrounding  settlements.  This  church  being  the  only 
one  of  a  Baptist  faith  in  the  vicinity,  those  who  became 
Baptists  in  Canaan,  now  Bloomfield,  united  with  it,  in 
membership  and  efforts.t 

Eld.  Cain  commenced  his  ministry  with  this  feeble 
church  in  the  midst  of  all  the  embarrassments  of  a  new 
country,  has  led  it  on  through  all  scenes^f  prosperity  and 
adversity  which  it  has  experienced,  and  still  lives  to  aid  its 
progress.  For  a  period  of  thirty-four  years,  he  was  the 
acting  pastor,  during  which,  he  saw  the  church  rise  and 
fall.  In  1818,  a  revival  more  than  doubled  its  number.  It 
then  had  one  hundred  and  four  members,  and  was  now  in 
its  highest  state  of  prosperity.  Trials  succeeded,  and  a  de- 

*Min.  C.  A.        IHis.  1st  Bloomfield. 


150  SECOND  CHURCH   IN  CHINA. 

crease  of  members  ;  its  fall  was  great.  In  1831,  it  had 
but  eighteen.  But  days  of  prosperity  have  again  returned, 
and  its  progress  has  been  onward  and  upward.  This  year 
Rev.  Samuel  Knox  became  the  junior  pastor,  and  things 
began  to  be  set  in  order,  to  the  encouragement  of  their 
aged  and  anxious  pastor. 

Rev.  Mr.  Knox  preached  about  two  years,  when  his 
place  was  filled  by  the  labors  of  Dea.  Joseph  Spearing,  who 
had  received  a  license  to  preach,  and  by  his  labors  there 
was  some  revival  in  1833.  Mr.  S.  aided  the  church  several 
years  with  a  portion  of  his  labors.  In  1836,  Dea.  Lucius 
Packard  received  a  license  to  preach,  and  the  church  was 
again  refreshed  with  revival  influences,  and  some  additions. 
In  1837,  Mr.  Packard  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist,  and 
the  church  encouraged.  The  .church  next  enjoyed  a  por- 
tion of  the  ministry  of  Eld.  S.  Knox,  in  1838,  and  again  in 
1840  ;  and  in  1841,  Joseph  Spearing  became  an  associate 
pastor,  and  remained  two  years,  which  were  years  of  trial 
and  difficulty  in  the  church.  During  this  last  period  of 
the  church's  history,  its  venerable  pastor  has  been  able  to 
preach  a  part  of  the  time,  and  aid  his  associates  in  the 
ministry  by  his  counsel.  The  present  number  of  the 
church  is  sixty-eight.* 

SECOND  CHINA,  (formerly  first  HARLEM.)  This  church 
is  located  in  the  south  part  of  China,  and  owes  its  existence 
to  the  influence  of  a  revival  experienced  in  Vassalborough 
and  its  vicinity,  in  1788.  Several  persons  became  Baptists 
here  at  that  time,  and  united  with  the  church  in  that  town. 
The  number  gradually  increased  ;  and  in  1797,  they  took 
their  leave  of  their  brethren  in  V.,  were  organized  into  a 
separate  church  of  nineteen  members,  by  the  name  of  Har- 
lem, and  Rev.  Job  Chadwick  was  chosen  pastor.  For  a 
few  years  the  church  prospered,  receiving  an  annual  addi- 

•Min.ofB.andK.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  NEW  VINEYARD.  J5J 

tion.  Mr.  C.  was  pastor  till  1805,  and  supplied  the  church 
occasionally  for  several  years  afterward.  It  has  since  had 
several  pastors,  but  being  situated  amid  a  sparse  population, 
its  number  has  always  been  small.  They  worship  in  a 
neat  and  commodious  brick  edifice,  at  the  south  end  of 
the  '  Pond,1  in  '  South  China.'  Constant  Abbot,  Daniel 
Stevens,  William  Bowler,  and  Mr.  Chadwick  have  officiat- 
ed in  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church.*  In  1812,  a  third 
church  in  China  was  organized  of  twenty-six  members, 
previously  dismissed  for  that  purpose  from  the  (then  second 
church)  in  Vassalborough.  This  organization  continued 
its  rank  among  the  churches  for  a  period  of  fifteen  years, 
when,  by  the  advice  of  the  Association,  the  second  and 
third  churches  in  China  united  in  one,  to  retain  the  rank 
of  the  second  church.  As  regards  the  third  church,  it 
never  had  a  regularly  settled  pastor,  nor  owned  a  house  of 
worship;  it  never  enjoyed  a  general  revival  of  religion 
which  very  considerably  increased  its  numbers,  nor  exerted 
a  very  wide  influence  on  the  cause  of  Christ.  No  minister 
did  more  to  promote  its  welfare,  than  Rev.  Jabez  Lewis. 
When  it  united  with  the  second  church,  it  only  increased 
that  church  by  about  twenty  members.  Since  the  union 
was  formed,  these  brethren  have  moved  on  in  harmony, 
obtaining  from  that  time  to  the  present,  a  gain  in  the  ag- 
gregate about  equal  to  the  losses  sustained.  The  present 
number  is  sixty-four. t  The  churches  Waldo  and  Albion 
owe  their  origin  to  the  third  China ;  their  original  mem- 
bers being  once  members  of  that  church. 

NEW  VINEYARD,  (now  INDUSTRY.)  This  town  joins 
Farmington  on  the  east,  and  was  first  settled  by  persons 
who  removed  from  Martha's  Vineyard,  Mass.,  about  the 
year  1793.  Some  of  them  were  Baptists.  A  revival  was 
experienced  among  them  in  1795  and  '96,  and  those  who 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  Asso.  fMin.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


152  CHURCH  IN  NEW  VINEYARD. 

became  pious  embraced  their  doctrines.*  They  were 
favored  with  occasional  preaching  by  Elders  Case  and  E. 
Smith,  who  constituted  the  church  of  nine  members  in 
1797.  Rev.  Mr.  Case,  who  had  baptized  these  disciples, 
preached  on  the  occasion,  from  these  words,  '  What  could 
I  have  done  more  for  my  vineyard,'  &c.  For  several 
years  the  church  remained  small.  In  1802,  a  Congrega- 
tional church  was  gathered  here  by  Rev.  J.  Sewall,  of 
twelve  members.  The  Baptists  then  numbered  sixteen. 
In  1810,  Elisha  Robbins  was  ordained  pastor,  and  was 
instrumental  in  promoting  a  revival  in  1809  and  '10,  which 
increased  the  number  of  the  church  to  sixty-one.  Mr. 
Robbins'  work  was  short.  He  was  removed  by  death, 
1811,  in  the  midst  of  promising  usefulness.  Thomas 
Merrill  also  was  raised  up  in  this  church,  and  ordained  as 
an  evangelist.  He  removed  to  Prospect,  where  he  was 
very  useful,  and  where  he  died  much  lamented.  Rev. 
Levi  Young  preached  in  1814.  It  was  called  Industry  in 
1818 ;  in  1819,  twenty-one  were  added  as  the  fruits  of  a 
revival,  and  in  1820,  the  church  had  fifty-two  members,  and 
the  Congregational  church  about  twenty. 

Since  that  time  it  has  had  one  pastor.  Rev.  D.  T. 
Allen  was  ordained  in  1828,  when  the  church  was  again 
enlarged  by  a  revival,  and  by  another  in  1832.  In  1835, 
Mr.  Allen  resigned  the  pastoral  charge,  but  continued 
some  years  after,  a  member,  and  preached  occasionally.  In 
1838,  Rev.  J.  Haines  favored  the  church  with  some 
preaching.  In  1841  and  '42,  some  additions  were  received 
in  a  revival  by  the  labors  of  Rev.  Wm.  Wyman  and  others. 
The  church  is  now  destitute,  and  numbers  sixty-six.  Dea. 
Benjamin  Pottle,  one  of  its  early  members,  was  for  many 
years  eminently  useful  in  promoting  the  advancement  and 
influence  of  this  church.t  Several  churches  in  its  vicinity 

T  KM.  Case's  Jour.    tMin.  13.  and  K.  Ass.  and  Elder  Case's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  FARMINGTON.  153 

received  members  from  this  church  at  their  organization. 
FARMINGTON.  This  is  another  inland  town  of  consid- 
erable importance,  and  has  now  two  flourishing  villages. 
The  Baptist  church  is  at  the  'Upper  village,'  where  also 
is  a  Congregational  church  and  an  Academy.  The  revival 
which  occurred  in  Industry,  1795  and  '96,  extended  into 
this  town,  then  a  small  settlement,  and  in  1798,  a  church 
of  seven  members  was  gathered  and  organized  by  Elders 
Case  and  Smith.  The  roads  '  to  this  place'  at  that  time, 
says  Mr.  Case,  '  were  exceedingly  bad,  even  for  travelling 
on  horse-back.'*  For  many  years,  this  church  was  desti- 
tute almost  entirely  of  preaching.  In  1807,  it  numbered 
nine  members  only.  At  the  time  of  the  second  revival  in 
Industry,  1809,  Mr.  Robbins,  preacher,  it  received  the 
small  addition  of  13.  In  1810,  the  peace  of  the  church 
was  disturbed  by  some  internal  difficulty  which  was  settled 
by  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Case.  From  its  organization  to 
1821,  a  period  of  about  twenty-four  years,  it  received  only 
occasional  preaching,  by  Messrs.  Case,  Smith,  Briggs  and 
others,  who  voluntarily  supplied  them  by  the  request  of  the 
Association.  In  1821,  Rev.  Winthrop  Morse,  from  Mass., 
became  pastor  ;  it  had  fifty-two  members.  It  may  be  no- 
ticed here  that  in  1812,  a  Congregational  church  of  twelve 
members  was  gathered  in  Farmington,  by  means  of  Mr. 
Sewall,  of  Chesterville,  and  in  1821,  had  about  an  equal 
number  of  members  with  the  Baptist.  In  three  years, 
however,  the  church  was  again  destitute,  Mr.  M.  having 
resigned.  Their  next  minister  was  Rev.  Hezekiah  Hull, 
from  Nova  Scotia.  He  labored  with  the  church  in  1828 
and  '29,  with  acceptance.  In  1835,  some  were  added  as 
the  fruits  of  a  protracted  meeting,  and  during  that  year, 
Rev.  Wm.  Wyman  preached  one  half  of  the  time  to  the 
advantage  of  the  church ;  and  in  1836,  they  erected  a 

"Elder  C.'s  Journal. 


154  CHURCH  IN  LITCHFIELD. 

house  for  worship,  on  account  of  which  they  were 
much  straitened  in  their  ability  to  support  preaching. 
Churches,  like  individuals,  sometimes  transcend  their 
means  unnecessarily.  The  church,  however,  secured 
preaching,  statedly  one  half  or  three-fourths  of  the  time, 
generally,  till  the  settlement  of  Levi  B.  Hathaway,  by 
ordination  as  pastor  in  1841.  Their  present  pastor,  Rev. 
N.  M.  Williams,  was  settled  among  them  in  1842.  Al- 
though it  has  been  with  much  extra  effort  that  they  have 
discharged  their  liabilities  created  by  the  building  of  their 
house  of  worship,  yet  spiritually,  the  church  has  prospered, 
and,  at  present,  is  much  encouraged.  Its  present  number 
is  ninety-three.*  The  revival  in  1843,  almost  made  them 
feel  that  their  trials  and  toils  were  over. 

LITCHFIELD,  (first  called  SECOND  LITCHFIELD — in  1811 
FIRST  LITCHFIELD.)  The  church  which  we  now  describe, 
is  therefore  the  present  church  in  that  town.  It  was  con- 
stituted in  1798,  with  fourteen  members.  About  this  time 
a  glorious  work  of  the  Lord  commenced  in  Bowdoin  and 
Litchfield,  under  the  ministry  of  Elder  Potter.  As  the  re- 
sults of  this  revival,  seventy-two  were  added  to  this  church 
in  1799  ;  and  ninety-six  to  the  first  church  in  Bowdoin,  of 
which  Elder  P.  was  then  pastor.t  Thus  in  less  than  two 
years  this  church  was  increased  from  fourteen  to  eighty-five, 
having  lost  one  by  death.  And  although  without  a  pastor 
till  1804,  it  prospered  by  the  occasional  preaching  of  neigh- 
boring ministers,  receiving  a  gain  equal  to  its  losses.  Feb. 
1804,  Rev.  Henry  Kendall J  moved  from  Meredeth,  N.  H., 
to  Litchfield,  and  by  request  became  pastor  of  this  church. 
Mr.  K.  preached  for  the  church  only  one  half  of  the  time, 
the  other  half  being  devoted  to  itinerant  labors  among  the 
destitute.  In  such  labors  Elder  K.  has  always  been  suc- 
cessful. He  was  pastor  until  1817,  when  he  resigned  his 

"Min.  B.  and  K.  Ass.    t-Min.  B.  A.     |Rev.  H.  K.'s  journal. 


CHURCH  IN  WALES.  155 

charge  and  removed  to  Topsham.  The  church  remained 
destitute,  and  suffered  an  annual  loss  of  members,  until 
1824,  when  Rev.  William  O.  Grant  became  its  second  pas- 
tor. Mr.  Grant  was  at  first  cheered  with  seeing  some  pre- 
cious seals  of  his  ministry  in  the  enlargement  of  the 
church  by  baptism.  But  though  faithful  to  his  trust,  the 
church  again  declined,  and  by  small  annual  losses,  became 
much  reduced,  and  Mr.  Grant  retired  from  the  field  to 
labor  in  another,  in  1834.  In  1837,  by  the  earnest  solici- 
tation of  the  church,  Mr.  Grant  returned  and  again  labored 
with  them  for  advancement.  There  was  a  little  revival  at 
first,  but  it  was  like  the  early  dew  and  morning  cloud.  In 
1842,  Mr.  Grant  retired  again ;  but  he  did  not  leave  the 
church  with  a  diminished  number.  His  labors  were  not 
in  vain.  Since  that  time  they  have  had  occasional  sup- 
plies. In  1843,  they  had  ninety-six  members.*  This 
church  worships  in  its  second  house,  and  is  abundantly 
able  to  sustain  an  efficient  pastor.  The  second  and  most 
glorious  and  extensive  revival  witnessed  in  this  church,  was 
in  1810,  under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Kendall,  when,  '  in  the 
course  of  seven  months,'  he  says,  'I  baptized  one  hundred 
and  thirty-two  willing  converts,  the  larger  part  from  among 
the  youth.'  He  adds,  '  this  was  a  powerful  work,  in  which 
there  were  no  anxious  seats,  and  no  rising  for  prayers.'t 
A  large  portion  of  the  losses  have  been  occasioned  by 
repeated  dismissions  to  aid  in  building  new  churches. 

WALES.  As  Baptists  multiplied  in  all  J,he  settlements  in 
the  vicinity  of  Wales,  the  first  occupants  of  its  soil  were 
brought  under  the  influence  of  their  doctrines.  Eld.  Pot- 
ter visited  them  as  early  as  1793,  and  found  them  willing 
to  hear  the  gospel.  In  1798  and  '99,  the  '  great  revival,' 
which  occurred  in  Bowdoin  and  Litchfield,  extended  its 
influence  into  Wales.  Here  too  Eld  P.  saw  evidence  that 

*Min.  B.  A.    fElder  Kendall's  Com. 


156  CHURCH  IN  JAY. 

he  did  not  preach  Christ  in  vain.  A  church  was  gathered 
in  the  place  in  1799,  consisting  of  about  forty  members, 
whom,  Eld.  P.  says,  '  I  visited  from  time  to  time  till  God 
raised  up  others  to  take  them  by  the  hand.'  Mr.  James 
Pierce  became  its  pastor  in  1811.  He  labored  with  this 
church  for  about  twenty-two  years.  In  1838,  the  church 
was  again  revived,  and  a  general  work  of  grace  was  witness- 
ed, which  increased  its  number  by  more  than  one  half. 
This  work  of  mercy  was  a  means  of  raising  the  church 
from  a  very  tried  and  discouraged  state,  and  placing  it 
among  the  prosperous.  Rev.  Daniel  Pierce  became  a 
member  in  1835,  and  officiated  as  pastor  about  two  years, 
when  he  resigned  his  charge,  but  retained  his  membership. 
In  1839,  Rev.  S.  Hinkley  became  a  member  ;  since  which 
time,  Elders  Pierce  and  Hinkley,  by  their  occasional 
preaching  have  aided  the  prosperity  of  the  church.  A 
good  union  among  the  members,  and  special  mercy  recent- 
ly enjoyed,  encourages  a  strong  and  active  faith.  Present 
number  of  members  is  seventy-nine.* 

JAY.  At  first,  the  people  of  this  town  enjoyed  but  few 
gospel  privileges.  By  the  occasional  preaching  of  travel- 
ling preachers,  a  few  became  pious  Baptists,  and  were 
united  in  church  relation  in  1799,  by  a  council  selected 
from  the  churches  in  Fayette  and  Livermore.  It  then  con- 
sisted of  fourteen  members.  Prosperity  commenced  with 
he  existence  of  this  church,  and  though  it  has  had  periods 
of  extraordinary  trials,  it  has  notwithstanding,  been  blessed 
with  a  general  and  pleasing  growth.  One  of  its  early 
members,  Joseph  Adams,  was  called  to  be  its  first  pastor. 
He  was  ordained  in  1804,  by  whose  ministry,  during  a 
period  of  fourteen  years,  the  church  enjoyed  almost  unmix- 
ed prosperity.  The  numbers  and  ability  of  the  church 
were  much  increased.  Within  this  period,  both  pastor  and 

*Min.  B.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  JAY.  157 

people  rejoiced  to  be  co-workers,  to  promote  the  cause  of 
truth,  and  were  rewarded  by  many  special  seasons  of  mer- 
cy. In  1818,  Mr.  A.  resigned  his  care  of  the  church,  and 
in  1821,  Rev.  E.  Nelson  was  elected  pastor,  and  entered 
upon  its  duties.  The  interim  from  1818  to  1821,  was  fill- 
ed by  the  alternate  preaching  of  Rev.  Joseph  Macomber, 
and  Joseph  Alden,  a  licentiate.  Mr.  N.  was  pastor  three 
years  only,  and  saw  the  glorious  work  of  the  Lord  in  1824. 
The  church  now  had  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  members. 
A  circumstance  now  occurs  which  constitutes  in  its  results 
an  eventful  period  in  the  history  of  this  church,  and  un- 
known in  the  experience  of  any  other  among  the  Baptists 
in  this  State.  A  large  portion  of  its  members  in  1826, 
dissented  from  its  faith  and  practice.  This  schism  pro- 
duced much  altercation,  which  destroyed  the  union  and 
harmony  so  long  enjoyed.  This  dissenting  party  believed 
that  Christ  died  for  a  part  only  of  the  human  family,  and 
therefore  objected  to  preaching  the  gospel  to  all  indiscrim 
inately.  The  church  retaining  their  faith  in  the  sufficiency 
of  the  work  of  Christ  to  save  all  who  believe  in  his  gospel ; 
and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  all  to  so  believe,  could  no  longer 
walk  with  them  in  church  fellowship.  This  state  of  trial 
continued  about  one  year,  and  after  much  forbearance,  the 
church  excluded  forty-six.  These  persons  formed  what 
they  called  '  the  Church  of  Christ,'  and  so  continue  till  the 
present  time,  without  prosperity.  The  church  was  not 
free  from  the  effects  of  this  trial  till  1830,  when  it  comes 
as  one  out  of  the  fire,  purified.  Since  that  period,  although 
without  a  pastor,  by  the  pious  and  faithful  preaching  and 
assistance  of  a  rapid  succession  of  ministers,  it  has  moved 
on  in  union  and  peace,  exerting  a  commendable  and  happy 
influence  on  the  community.  Besides  its  pastors,  Adams 
and  Nelson,  the  church  has  employed  to  their  benefit,  at 
stated  times,  Eld.  J.  Macomber,  J.  Alden,  Hezekiah  Hull, 
8 


158  CHURCH  IN  MT.  VERNOIi. 

John  Hull,*  Manassah  Lawrence,  George  Richardson, 
Nathan  Mayhew,  and  Walter  Foss.  The  following  servants 
of  the  cross  of  Christ  received  license  from  this  church  : 
Reuben  Ball,  Joseph  Macomber,  Joseph  Alden,  Manassah 
Lawrence,  and  Wm.  E.  Morse.  It  has  been  refreshed  with 
six  pleasing  revivals,  and  the  church  in  Dixfield  owes  its 
existence  to  its  influence.  It  has  had  six  deacons,  two  of 
whom  only  were  ordained.  The  church  now  numbers 
eighty-four.t 

MT.  VERNON.  The  Baptist  church  in  Mt.  Vernon,  was 
constituted  of  seventeen  members  previously  dismissed  from 
the  church  in  Readfield  1799.  In  1798,  Elders  Case  and 
E.  Smith  preached  frequently  there,  and  the  Lord  convert- 
ed several  persons,  most  of  whom  were  baptized  by  Elder 
Case,  who  continued  to  visit  this  feeble  church  for  several 
years  subsequent  to  its  organization.  In  1802,  the  church 
was  enlarged  by  a  revival.  In  1804  and  r05,  the  church 
received  a  part  of  the  labors  of  Henry  Kendall,  who  was 
ordained  in  that  church  June  1805.  Rev.  N.  Folsom 
preached  the  ordination  sermon.  In  1807,  Rev.  Peter 
Moore  received  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  ;  but  in 
1815,  he  became  heterodox  in  doctrines,  and  after  much 
trial  and  perplexity,  it  withdrew  fellowship  from  him. 

The  faithful  and  wise  administrations  of  Rev.  Arthur 
Drinkwater,  has,  under  God,  accomplished  much  for  the 
peace  and  prosperity  of  this  church.  He  has  devoted  his 
time  and  talents  to  the  interests  of  the  church  in  the  pasto- 
ral office  during  two  periods  in  its  history.  These  were 
times  of  prosperity.  He  was  first  inducted  into  the  office 

by  ordination,  Dec.  1816.     In  1821,  having  a '6a1l  from 

<roiiiHiv.>  •  ,•..-•.  ,<:  .. 

*Rev.  John  Hull  was  a  native  of  Nova  Scotia,  came  into  the  State  and 
preached  with  good  acceptance  in  Turner,  and  other  places.  He  labored 
to  the  great  pleasure  of  this  church  a  few  mouths,  and  after  a  '  most  distress- 
ing sickness,  died  in  August  18i9  ;  and  was  much  lamented  by  all  who  had 
been,  favored  with  an  acquaintance  with  him.'  (Min  B.  A.  1836). 

tRev.  W.  Foss  com. 


CHURCH  IN  BRUNSWICK.  159 

Danvers,  Mass.,  he  resigned  his  charge  here,  and  removed 
to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  same  office  there.  But  he 
was  attached  to  the  church  in  Mt.  Vernon,  and  the  church 
to  him  ;  and  after  an  absence  of  about  eight  years,  he  re- 
turned to  the  pastoral  care,  and  to  the  more  than  usual 
satisfaction  and  joy  of  the  church.  He  was  with  them  till 
1833,  when  he  again  removed.  In  1835,  they  received  a 
supply  one  half  of  the  time  by  Rev.  Wm.  Johnson,  and  in 
1836,  the  entire  labors  of  Rev.  C.  Clarke,  with  whose  min- 
istry the  church  experienced  a  revival.  In  1839,  Rev.  Wm. 
Bradbury  preached  one  half  the  time,  but  the  church  de- 
clined ;  in  1840,  their  prospect  brightened  under  the 
occasional  ministry  of  their  once  beloved  pastor,  Elder 
Drinkwater  ;  and  in  1842  and  '43,  Rev.  Walter  T.  Sar- 
gent preached  to  their  satisfaction.  This  church  has  passed 
through  many  seasons  of  painful  trials,  but  mostly  occasion- 
ed by  internal  causes.  It  has  a  total  of  forty-four  members. 
They  have  a  convenient  meeting-house,  built  about  1830, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1000.* 

BRUNSWICK.  The  first  settlement  in  this  town  was 
commenced  in  1675,  by  a  Mr.  Purchase.t  In  1690,  it  was 
entirely  depopulated  by  the  Indians.^  This  ancient  settle- 
ment was  called  '  Pegyscott,'  from  Pegyscott  Indians,  who 
then  inhabited  the  region  of  Androscoggin  river.  It  was 
re-settled  in  1703,  and  incorporated  as  a  town  in  1735. 
In  1737,  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  granted  the  town 
the  privilege  of  raising  money  by  taxation  to  support  an 
'  orthodox  minister,'  which  in  those  days,  was  only  another 
name  for  a  '  Congregationalist.'  It  is  not  certain  when  a 
church  of  that  faith  was  constituted,  but  probably  about 
1750.§  Things  were  all  now  well  arranged  for  progress  to 
indoctrinate  the  people  into  an  ardour  for  'Pedo-baptism,' 

*Sam'l  Foote,  Ch.  Clk.  com.  and  Min.  B.  A.    fHubbard  cited  by  Sullivan 
p.  177.        ^Sullivan  p.  178.        $Green.  Keel.  his.  p.  92. 


160  CHURCH  IN  BRUNSWICK. 

and  '  Arminianism.'  It  was  not  till  about  the  year  1783, 
that  Baptists  preached  even  so  much  as  occasionally  in 
Brunswick.  About  this  time,  Elders  Case,  Potter  and 
Lord,  preached  here  in  some  private  houses,  but  very  un- 
frequently,  the  peculiar  notions  of  the  people  being  unfa- 
vorable to  their  reception.  And  it  is  not  certain  that  any 
person  became  a  Baptist  by  this  occasional  lecturing.  But 
the  attention  of  the  people  was  in  this  way  turned  to  their 
sentiments  ;  and  soon  Baptist  preachers  were  among  them 
more  frequently.  Through  these  efforts,  and  through  influ- 
ence of  revivals,  which  were  frequently  enjoyed  by  the 
Baptists,  who  were  becoming  somewhat  numerous  in  places 
contiguous  to  Brunswick,  several  of  the  inhabitants  became 
pious  Baptists.  In  Sept.  1799,  a  small  church  of  six  males 
and  two  females  was  organized.  This  church  was  indeed 
'  a  little  one  ;'  yet  it  occupied  an  important  position. 
Rev.  Elisha  Williams  soon  commenced  preaching,  one  half 
of  the  time  to  this  church,  and  the  other  half  in  Topsham, 
and  became  its  pastor  in  1800.  Here  he  was  useful,  but 
God  opened  before  him  in  Beverly,  Mass.,  a  wider  door  of 
usefulness,  and  in  1803,  he  preached  his  farewell  sermon 
to  this  people,  and  removed  to  Beverly.  Being  now  with- 
out a  shepherd,  Elders  Kendall,  Woodard,  Potter  and 
others,  guarded  this  fold  during  the  year  1804. 

In  1805,  Rev.  B.  Titcomb  removed,  at  the  solicitation 
of  the  church,  and  took  the  pastoral  charge  It  then 
numbered  thirty-five  communicants.  But  notwithstanding 
the  strong  tide  of  influence  continually  setting  in  to  retard 
the  onward  course  of  the  church  the  first  year  of  Mr.  T's 
ministry,  it  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  twenty,  as  the 
fruits  of  some  revival.  Nothing  particularly  important  to 
the  history  of  the  church  occurred  after  this  time  till  July 
1816.  On  the  22d  of  this  month,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  Rev.  T.  Baldwin  of  Boston,  preached  at  a  hall  in 


CHURCH  IN  LEEDS.  161 

the  village.  At  this  meeting  about  fifty  persons  were 
aroused  from  their  spiritual  slumbers.  This  was  the  begin- 
ning of  a  new  era  in  the  progress  of  this  church.  The  work 
of  God  now  commenced,  was  carried  forward  as  powerfully 
as  it  began,  displaying  the  divine  power,  glory  and  good- 
ness under  the  ministry  of  their  pastor,  till  one  hundred 
and  fifty  were  added  to  the  church  by  baptism.  The  influ- 
ence of  the  church  was  now  felt  throughout  the  town  and 
in  the  village.  This  opened  the  way,  as  was  supposed,  for 
the  formation  of  new  churches.  Fourteen  of  its  members 
were  dismissed  in  1825  to  constitute  a  church  in  the  village, 
to  be  called,  '  Second  Brunswick,'  and  ten  more  in  1827, 
to  constitute  what  was  called  the  '  Village  Church.'  But 
time  has  shown  that  these  were  unwise  movements.  Both 
these  churches  have  become  extinct. 

Eld.  Titcomb  resigned  his  care  of  the  church  in  1827. 
Elders  Sam'l  Mariner,  Adam  Wilson,  S.  Owen  and  Hen- 
ry Kendall,  supplied  the  church  with  a  pleasing  success  the 
next  three  years,  during  which  there  was  an  addition  of 
more  than  to  fill  the  vacancy  made  by  dismission.  Rev. 
John  Bailey  was  its  next  pastor.  He  labored  two  years, 
and  resigned  in  1834.  A  supply  for  two  years  was  afford- 
ed by  Rev.  Wm.  Johnson,  which  brings  the  history  of  the 
church  down  to  1836.  In  the  spring  Rev.  Noah  Norton 
became  pastor,  and  still  officiates  with  profit  to  the  church 
and  pleasure  to  himself. 

Seven  of  the  members  of  this  church  have  become  min- 
isters— Elisha  Snow,  Daniel  Pierce,  Jos.  Roberts,  Robert 
Cushman,  Shimuel  Owen,  Benj.  Titcomb,  jr.,  and  David 
Given.  Present  number,  one  hundred  and  eleven.* 

LEEDS,  (first  called  LITTLEBORO'.)  The  rise  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  this  town  is  somewhat  interesting.  It  illustrates 
the  power  of  truth  to  overcome  error.  The  first  religious 

•Com.  by  Jonathan  Snow,Ch.  Ck. 


163  CHURCH  IN  LEEDS. 

meeting  held  in  this  place,  then  but  a  small  settlement,was 
convened  in  the  autumn  of  1794,  at  the  request  of  Thomas 
Francis,  one  of  the  early  residents  in  the  town,  and  who 
had  but  a  short  time  previous,  by  means  of  reading  and 
reflection,  for  which  he  had  a  natural  passion,  became 
pious.  He  was  the  first  person  in  town  to  profess  Christ. 
He  looked  upon  the  extreme  wickedness  of  the  people, 
and  moved  with  anxious  concern  for  them,  he  invited  them 
to  come  together  for  the  worship  of  God.  This  was  to 
them  a  novel  movement  indeed.  Excited,  however,  by  a 
curiosity  to  see  how  the  meeting  would  be  conducted  with- 
out a  minister,  many  came  to  the  place  appointed.  The 
meeting  was  opened  by  reading  and  singing  the  51st  Ps, 
*  Show  pity  Lord,'  &.c.  Mr.  F.  then  prayed,  and  addressed 
the  meeting  by  relating  his  own  religious  experience.  The 
effort  was  blessed,  the  attention  was  solemnly  gained,  and 
several  persons  led  to  reflect  seriously  upon  their  own 
lost  condition,*  An  interest  being  now  excited,  it  was  re- 
solved before  the  meeting  closed,  to  no  more  neglect  to 
assemble  themselves  together  on  the  Sabbath  for  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  which  resolution  has  not  yet  been  broken. 
There  were  some  Methodist  preachers  in  the  adjoining 
settlements,  and  hearing  of  the  revival  which  had  now 
commenced,  they  came  into  the  town  and  began  to  preach 
statedly  once  in  two  weeks  on  Thursdays.  Their  exer- 
tions tended  to  promote  the  good  work,  so  that  during  the 
winter  of  1795,  about  forty  persons  were  converted  to 
God — a  Methodist  class  was  formed,  and  Mr.  Francis  was 
appointed  class-leader.  But  it  proved  that  there  were 
'  tares'  among  the  '  wheat.' 

*  Previous  to  this  revival,'  says  Mr.  F.,  '  the  people  had 
not  made  religion  their  study  ;  they  therefore  knew  little 
of  the  scriptures,  and  consequently  their  knowledge  of  bible 

tRev.  Thos.  Francis'  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  LEEDS.  163 

doctrines  were  very  limited ;  yet  experience  had  taught 
them  some  of  them.'  '  For  some  of  them  were  truly 
regenerated.  Learning  from  the  Methodist  '  Platform,' 
that  they  held  to  '  falling  from  grace,'  some  became  dis- 
stisfied,  wahich  produced  much  clamor  and  dispute  among 
them.  To  silence  this,  the  Methodist  preacher  on  his 
next  visit,  preached  what  he  said  '  were  the  sentiments  of 
the  Methodists.'  Here  he  animadverted,  misrepresented, 
and  repudiated  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and  told  the  people 
*  that  the  doctrine  of  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  ejection, 
the  necessity  of  special  Divine  influence  to  regenerate  the 
Jieart,  and  the  final  perseverance  of  the  saints,  were  doc- 
trines originating  in  hell.'*  F,our  persons  feeling  a  greater 
dissatisfaction  than  ever,  of  whom  the  class-leader  was 

5w*£      -J^IIJ  Gi)     /       c-  J\  H.-  1   .1       .  1  -  •         ' .      ,.         , 

one,  immediately  withdrew  from  the  class.  They  were 
for  this  expelled  from  the  class.  These  persons,  upon  the 
suggestion  of  Mr.  F.,  opened  a  separate  meeting,  and 
others  from  similar  feelings  soon  joined  them.  Although 
called  by  no  particular  name,  and  much  slandered  by  the 
Methodists,  yet  they  found  comfort  in  each  other  and  in 
the  worship  of  God. 

They  now  '  began  to  jnqujre  of  the  Lord  respecting  the 
order  of  his  house,'t  and  by  means  of  the  Bible  alone,  for 
they  had  no  other  guide,  some  with  joy  discovered  the  right 
path,  and  desired  some  one  to  lead  them  forward  agreeable 
to  apostolic  direction.  This  prayer  was  heard,  and  the 
next  June,  the  Lord  sent  unto  them  Rev.  Mr.  Potter,  who 
instructed  them  more  perfectly,  and  baptized  three  persons. 
This  was  the  first  Baptist  movement.  Soon  after  Rev. 
Mr.  Case  visited  them  and  baptized  several  more,  all  of 
whom  joined  the  Baptist  church  in  Wayne,  but  continued 
to  hold  meetings  in  Leeds,  and  increased.  The  Methodists 
soon  felt  themselves  vanquished  and  left  the  field.  In  view 

,    .         m\£3n          Cv»SV»I'^       .       _IIJ  .'^J,      JUJ       I        1.*    IIJ    UJ 

*ftev.  T.  Francis'  Com.    fMr.  Francis'  Com. 


164  CHURCH  IN  LEEDS. 

of  this  revolution  in  Leeds,  it  is  said,  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Lee,  then  presiding  Elder,  being  asked  '  What  had  become 
of  his  class  at  Leeds  ?'  replied,  '  They  are  marred  in  the 
hands  of  the  Potter.1 

June  29th,  1799,  Thomas  Francis  was  set  apart  by  ordi- 
nation as  an  evangelist.  He  had  from  the  first  meeting 
in  Leeds,  conducted  the  services  of  worship  in  that  town  ; 
and  here,  in  the  barn  of  Giddins  Lane,  who  became  an 
influential  member  and  deacon  in  the  church  subsequently 
formed,  was  Mr.  F.  qualified  to  lead  forward  the  flock  in 
he  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  July  2d,  1800,  the  brethren 
in  Leeds  having  taken  their  dismission  from  Wayne,  were 
constituted  into  a  church  of  Christ,  consisting  of  sixteen 
members,  and  Mr.  Francis  was  elected  their  pastor.* 
His  untiring  efforts  were  devoted  to  the  interest  of  this 
church,  till  declining  health  required  an  associate  pastor, 
which  was  provided  for  him  by  the  employment  of  Rev. 
Allen  Barrows,  as  preacher  in  1835.  Mr.  F.  died  May 
9,  1836.  We  will  only  say  in  this  place,  that  he  was  an 
able  and  faithful  minister  and  affectionate  pastor.  And 
yet  for  all  his  services  he  did  not  receive  in  the  aggregate 
of  years  more  than  $25  annually.  During  the  whole 
history  of  the  church  it  has  generally  prospered.  It  has 
seen  days  of  adversity.  The  greatest  trial  which  it  ever 
experienced  was  in  consequence  of  an  anti-masonic  spirit, 
which  resulted  in  the  exclusion  of  some  of  its  members. 
It  has  also  had  many  refreshing  revivals.* 

Since  the  death  of  its  first  pastor,  it  has  had  several 
preachers — brethren  M.  Leonard,  A.  Barrows,  S.  Hinkley, 
R.  C.  Starr,  W.  C.  Rider  and  Daniel  Hutchinson.  Rev. 
Mr.  Leighton  was  ordained  their  second  pastor  in  1842. 
The  following  persons  received  license  from  this  church 
to  preach  the  gospel :  Moses  Stephens,  removed  to  the 

*Ch.  Records. 


CHURCH  IN  WOOLWICH.  165 

North  Western  territory  in  1810;  Eleazer  Carver,  was 
ordained  by  the  society  of  '  Christians,'  but  finally  became 
a  '  Universalist ;'  Martin  Leonard,  Walter  Foss,  Joshua 
Millet,and  Ozias  Millet.*  Present  number  109. 

WOOLWICH.  The  Congregationalists  gathered  a  church 
in  Woolwich  in  1765,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Winship  was  pastor.t 
They  therefore  had  the  lead  of  religious  influence,  which 
was  Arminian  in  its  character.  To  their  support  the  whole 
people  were  held  liable.  The  next  religious  faith  which 
was  propagated  here,  was  that  of  Free-will  Baptist.  Rev. 
Benjamin  Randall,  of  New  Castle,  N.  H.,  was  here  in 
1781,  preached  and  baptized  a  few  persons,  who  were  the 
first  baptized  east  of  North  Yarmouth.  Mr.  Randall 
tarried  but  a  short  time,  but  laid  the  foundation  for  a  suc- 
cessful church  of  his  peculiar  Arminian  faith. 

Elders  Case,  Potter  and  Macomber  visited  this  town 
very  soon  after  they  began  to  travel  in  this  part  of  the 
State,  and  previous  to  1785,  and  subsequently  more  fre- 
quently. They  were  received  with  strong  dislike ;  although 
the  people  were  generally  moral,  yet  through  the  influence 
of  an  '  Arminian,'  a  '  do  and  live'  ministry,  they  cherished 
a  vituperous  prejudice  against  the  doctrines  of  '  regenera- 
tion by  the  Spirit  of  God,'  and  '  salvation  by  the  atonement 
of  Christ,'  and  against  those  who  preached  them.  This 
prejudice  did  not,  however,  prevent  the  influence  of  Bible 
truths.  Some  few  became  regular  Baptists  of  a  '  Calvin- 
istic'  faith.  But  before  they  could  provide  for  themselves 
that  kind  of  preaching  they  desired,  they  were  obliged  to 
unite  with  the  people  in  Bowdoinham,  and  petition  the 
Legislature  to  incorporate  them  into  a  Baptist  society.  This 
privilege  they  sought  and  obtained  in  1797.  The  number 
of  pious  Baptists  however,  in  Woolwich,  still  being  small, 
they  united  with  Bowdoinham  church,  and  remained  in  that 

"Sh.  Records.        tGrwu.  Eccl.  hii.  p.  82. 
8* 


166  CHURCH  IN  FRIENDSHIP. 

connection  till  1800,  when  the  Baptist  church  in  Wool- 
wich was  organized  with  sixteen  members,  most  of  whom 
were  from  the  Congregational  church.  The  way  was  now 
prepared  for  a  peaceful  progress  in  the  holy  cause,  by  the 
side  of  their  neighbors.  But  having  no  pastor,  and  pos- 
sessing but  a  small  ability,  both  as  regarded  numbers  and 
means,  the  church  remained  almost  stationary  for  several 
years.  At  length  Mr.  Samuel  Stinson,  its  worthy  deacon, 
began  to  preach,  and  was  ordained  as  pastor  Nov.  1806. 
He  cast  in  his  lot  with  this  poor,  feeble  church,  and  preached 
with  much  success,  though  sustained  by  the  work  of  his 
own  hands,  and  a  small  compensation,  until  age  paralyzed 
his  energies,  when  he  resigned  his  useful  ministry  in  1821. 
He  died  in  the  Lord  Nov.  1823.  He  has  been  succeeded 
by  a  number  of  useful  ministers  and  pastors — Rev.  R.  C. 
Starr,  from  1818  to  1828 ;  Rev.  E.  Pinkham,  1834 ;  S. 
Tyler,  from  1835  to  1838 ;  W.  Day,  from  1840  to  1842. 
Dea,  R.  Perkins  was  a  deacon  of  the  Congregational 
church,  and  subsequently  one  of  the  faithful  and  worthy 
deacons  of  this,  and  filled  the  office  with  fidelity  and  zeal 
till  his  death,  March  1837. 

This  town  has  been  highly  distinguished  for  extensive 
revivals,  in  which  the  Baptists  have  shared  nearly  an  equal 
part.  The  church  in  Wiscasset  owes  its  existence  in  part 
to  this  church.  Their  present  pastor,  Rev.  Lewis  Barrows, 
was  ordained  April  1843.  Present  number,  seventy-six.* 

FRIENDSHIP.  This  church  was  called  '  Medumcook,' 
then  'Friendship;'  and  then,  as  the  church  was  en- 
larged, some  of  the  members  residing  in  the  town  of  Gush- 
ing, it  was  called  '  Friendship  and  Cushing ;'  and  then 
again  in  1842,  the  members  in  Cushing  being  set  off  to 
constitute  a  church  in  that  town,  it  was  called  '  Friendship.' 

Rev.  Ephraim  Hall,  pastor  of  the  church  in  St.  George, 

*Rev.  L.  Barrows'  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  FRIENDSHIP.  167 

extended  his  parochial  labors  into  this  town,  which  were 
blessed  to  the  conversion  of  several  persons,  who  became 
Baptists.  That  they  might  not  be  scattered  like  sheep 
upon  the  mountains,  they  were  organized  into  a  church 
July  15,  1800.  During  the  first  sixteen  years  of  its  exis- 
tence, it  was  blessed  with  occasional  supplies  only. 

The  first  stated  ministry  the  church  enjoyed,  was  by 
Rev.  I.  S.  Starr,  who  preached  with  acceptance  and  suc- 
cess, from  1816,  about  two  years.  They  were  supplied 
with  preaching  by  several  itinerant  ministers  till  1822, 
when  Rev.  F.  S.  Smith  became  pastor.  During  his  min- 
istry of  nine  years,  the  church  witnessed  the  first  extensive 
revival,  which  increased  its  number  by  an  addition  of  fifty. 
Rev.  C.  T.  Norcross  succeeded  Mr.  Smith  in  1832,  and 
was  their  useful  pastor  about  three  years,  during  which 
another  revival  was  enjoyed,  more  glorious  than  the  first, 
which  added  seventy  to  the  church.  After  being  again 
supplied  by  different  ministers,  somewhat  irregularly,  for 
three  years,  Rev.  A.  Dunbar  was  ordained  pastor.  He  la- 
bored two  years,  and  resigned.  Since  that  time  the  church 
has  had  no  pastor,  but  has  been  supplied  with  preaching  one 
half  of  the  time,  successively,  by  Elders  A.  Dunbar,  two 
years  ;  D.  Bartlett,  one  year ;  and  C.  P.  Bartlett,  1843. 

This  church  has  been  a  highly  favored  branch  of  Zion, 
having  been  unusually  free  from  trials,  and  having  uni- 
formly maintained  a  comfortable  union  among  themselves. 

This  church  has  sent  two  of  its  memb'ers  forth  as  minis- 
ters— Rev.  John  Richardson,  ordained  at  Pittsfield,  N.  H., 
and  present  pastor  of  South  Berwick  Village  church;  and 
Rev.  Thomas  Jameson,  ordained  at  Islesboro',  Me.,  now 
pastor  of  Acton  church.  The  church  now  numbers  one 
hundred  and  ten.  Their  meeting-house  was  built  by  the 
town,  and  owned  in  part  only  by  the  church.* 

*C.  Bradford's  Com.  and  Blin.  L.  A. 


163  CHURCH  IN  WARREN. 

WARREN.     The  first  religious  efforts  which  were  made  in 
this  town,  were  by  the  Rev.  John  Urquhart,  a  Presbyterian, 
between  the  years  1774  and  1783.     On  account  of  some 
difficulty  between  him  and  the  people,  he  was  regularly  re- 
moved by  the  Presbytery  at  Salem,    1783.*     The  next 
movements  were  by  the  Congregation alists,  in  1791.  They 
gathered  a  church  here  in  1795,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Huse  was 
settled  minister  by  ordination.*     This  church  still  exists. 
The  next  exertions  were  made  by  the  Baptists.     Elders 
Case  and  Snow  visited  here  as  early  as  1784,  and  few  per- 
sons embraced  their  sentiments  and  joined   the   Baptis 
church  in  Thomaston,  of  which  Elder  Case  was  thenpastor.t 
But  the  people  generally  being  '  not  very  partial'  to  the 
Baptists,   their  increase  was  quite  small  at  first.     They 
found  no  home  among  their  Congregational  friends  ;  and 
the  inconvenience  of  travel  to  Thomaston,  rendered  it  de- 
sirable that  they  should  be  formed  into  a  church.     This 
desire  was  granted  them  Aug.  2,  1800.     Their  original 
number  was  fourteen. $     They  were  poor  and  destitute,  and 
had  therefore  but  few  means  to  sustain  a  pastor.     School 
houses,  dwelling-houses,  and  barns,  were  for  several  years 
their  bethels.     Their  hope  and  faith  were  in  God,  and  pros- 
perity was  given  in  every  step  of  their  journey.     Rev.  A. 
Fuller  and  Rev.  E.  Hall  aided  them  by  occasional  preach- 
ing, till  1803,  when,  although  the  prospect  for  a  maintain- 
ance  was  very  discouraging,  Mr.  Fuller,  from  a  sense  of 
duty,  and  to  the  joy  of  the  church,  accepted  their  request 
to  become  their  pastor.  By  a  gradual  growth,  they  became 
able  in  1807,  to  build  a  small  meeting-house.  Their  friends 
also  increased,  and  a  Baptist  society  was  incorporated  in 
1807,  so  that  the  burdens  of  the  church  were  much  relieved.^ 
These  objects  being  accomplished,  God  manifested  his 
approbation  of  their  efforts,  by  giving  them  a  rich  and  glo- 

*Gr*en.  Ecc.  his.  pp.  172, 173.    fEld. Case's  Cora.    JZ.  A.  Mar.  19,1829. 


CHURCH  IN  WARREN.  169 

rious  blessing.  Fifty  were  added  by  baptism  in  the  revival. 
Mr.  Fuller  was  indefatigable  in  his  labors  till  1816,  having 
led  the  church  through  a  mixture  of  trials  and  blessings. 
His  health  now  began  to  decline,  and  gradually  wasted 
away,  till  death  came  to  remove  him  to  the  enjoyment  of 
his  heavenly  reward.  He  died  Jan.  31,  1820.  The  church, 
since  the  death  of  Mr.  Fuller,  has  had  several  of  the  ser- 
vants of  the  Lord  to  administer  to,  and  watch  over  them.* 

Rev.  John  Wakefield  was  pastor  from  1821  to  1827. 
His  health  was  feeble,  but  his  labors  were  beneficial  to  the 
church.  The  year  following  his  resignation  is  full  of  events 
important  to  the  history  of  this  church. 

In  Sept,  1827,  the  Lincoln  Association  met  with  this 
church,  and  the  season  was  made  the  beginning  of  a  most  ex- 
tensive revival.  Soon  after  the  session  closed,  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  the  labors  of  Rev.  D.  Bartlett,  messenger  from 
Penobscot  Association,  during  the  meeting,  had  been  instru- 
mental in  the  conversion  of  several  of  the  youth.  An  invi- 
tation was  at  once  extended  to  him  to  become  their  pastor. 
He  accepted,  and  removed  to  Warren  as  soon  as  possible. 
Rev.  Samuel  Fogg  was  eminently  useful  in  promoting  this 
revival,  previous  to  the  arrival  of  Mr.  B.  This  work  is 
described  as  being  wonderful  in  power,  producing  great 
and  immediate  changes.  All  classes  shared  in  the  blessing. 
The  scoffing  infidel  could  not  say  that  the  work  was  con- 
fined to  the  '  weak'  and  '  timid.'  It  embraced  the  rich, 
the  poor,  the  wise,  and  the  simple.  The  church  was  en- 
larged by  an  addition  of  ninety,  and  their  present  commo- 
dious meeting  house  was  built  the  same  year. 

Elder  Bartlett  served  the  church  till  1833,  when  Rev. 
Horace  Seaver  entered  upon  a  supply  in  the  ministry  for 
one  year.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  P.  Bond.  His  labors 
began  in  1835,  and  ended  in  1840.  Under  his  ministry 

*Ziou'«  Advocate,  March  19,  1829. 


170  CHURCH  IN  PORTLAND. 

in  1838,  forty-four  were  added  to  the  church.  Rev.  Silas 
Ilsley  became  pastor  in  1842.  The  close  of  this  year,  and 
the  beginning  of  1843,  was  a  time  of  spiritual  release  to 
the  church  and  of  jubilee  to  more  than  one  hundred  con- 
verts, who  were  emancipated  from  the  bondage  of  sinful 
and  satanic  servitude.  When  this  season  of  special 
mercy  was  over,  from  an  impression  of  duty,  Mr.  Ilsley 
removed  to  another  field  of  labor.  This  is  a  large,  wealthy 
and  influential  church  of  two  hundred  and  eighty-five 
members.  Its  benevolence  is  known  by  its  generous  and 
frequent  liberalities.* 

PORTLAND.  The  first  religious  efforts  made  by  Baptists 
in  Portland,  were  at  the  late  period  of  1796,  and  even  then 
and  for  some  years  after,  their  exertions  were  few  and 
limited.  It  has  been  asked  why  the  Baptists  made  their 
first  movements  in  the  interior,  and  generally  in  towns  and 
settlements  the  least  populous,  leaving  the  more  populous 
and  promising  fields  to  the  Congregationalists  and  others  ? 
It  is  not  our  business  to  answer  this  question,  nor  do  we 
see  any  rational  circumstance  to  justify  any  neglect  on  their 
part  of  any  place,  or  to  excuse  any  tardiness  of  which  they 
might  be  guilty  to  possess  these  fields  of  usefulness  as  soon 
as  any.  But  there  is  an  apparent  apology  at  least ;  an 
apology  growing  out  of  the  state  of  the  times.  It  may  be 
proper  in  this  place  to  give  the  reader  a  brief  view  of  the 
state  of  things,  especially  as  regards  ecclesiastical  matters. 
Falmouth,  Casco,  or  Portland, was  first  settled  about  1658.t 
The  morals  of  the  Province  were  generally  lax,  if  not 
licentious,^  and  the  people  of  Casco  could  not  boast  of  a 
higher  purity  than  their  neighbors.  The  Episcopalians  at 
this  time  attempted  to  hold  the  power  of  religious  influence, 
and  Rev.  Robert  Jordan  was  their  minister.  But  as  the 
Court  of  Massachusetts  held  jurisdiction  over  the  territory 

*Zion's  Adv.  1829.  andMin.  L.  A.      tWillw'hii.  P.  v.l.  p.  63.    ^Willis' 
•  .P.  T.I,  p.  97. 


CHURCH  IN  PORTLAND  17J 

of  Falmouth,*  and  as  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  consist- 
ed of  emigrants  from  that  State  and  Plymouth  Colonies, 
and  were  of  Puritan  faith  and  practice,  the  government  of 
Massachusetts,  '  used  their  utmost  exertions  to  discourage 
every  other  sect't  '  The  religion  of  the  State,  enforced 
by  rigorous  laws,  became  from  this  time  (1669)  the  pre- 
dominant religion  of  the  Province.' 

The  first  minister  employed  here  by  the  permission  and 
direction  of  the  civil  and  clerical  authorities,  was  Rev. 
Geo.  Burroughs,  who  was  occupied  in  the  ministry  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time,  commencing  previous  to  1680  ; 
a  much  longer  time  it  is  supposed  (for  no  records  can  be 
found  of  his  settlement  or  his  success)  than  his  successor, 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  except  Mr.  R.  Jordan,  who  lived  in  town, 
preached,  and  administered  ordinances  under  the  Episco- 
pal form,  for  thirty-six  years,  only  when  '  licensed'  by  the 
Court  of  Massachusetts.  Jordan  was  opposed  to  the  Puri- 
tan faith,  and  his  opposition  became  violent,  because  '  of 
the  persecution  which  he  had  received  for  his  attachment 
to  the  Church  of  England.' 

The  powers  and  privileges  granted  to  Puritans,  and  to 
their  descendants  in  Maine,  were  '  exclusive,'  and  although 
the  town  of  Portland  was  depopulated  several  times,  and 
the  inhabitants,  who  escaped  the  destroyer,  were  scattered  ; 
yet  on  their  return,  and  re-settlement,  the  same  spirit  to 
keep  all  under  submission  to  the  control  of  the  municipal 
and  ecclesiastical  powers,  returned  with  them,  and  still 
lived  even  in  1796,  with  a  vehemence  but  little  mod- 
erated. This  brings  us  down  to  the  times  when  the 
Baptists  were  making  progress  in  the  State.  The  inquiry 
then  is,  what  where  the  characteristics  of  these  times  that 
operated  unfavorable  to  their  cause  ?  There  w.is  a  preva- 
lent spirit  of  opposition  to  them.  It  was  no  uncommon 

•Willis'  his.  P.  vol.  1,  p.  98.        t Willis'  bis.  P.  vol.  1,  p.  99. 


172  CHURCH  IN  PORTLAND. 

thing  to  hear  in  many  places  where  the  Puritan  spirit  was 
dominant,  the  loud  'cry,'  when  reference  was  made  to 
the  Baptists,  of  '  strange  fire,'  '  New  Lights,'  'ignorant,' 
'  unlearned  ministers,'  '  bigoted  sectarianism,'  '  close  com- 
munion,' '  etc.'  These  expressions  were  not  the  dictate 
of  a  pure  spirit,  and  the  Baptists  so  understood  them. 
Baptist  preachers  knew  too  that  they  were  not  privileged 
with  that  'education,'  which  was  the  boast  of  the  established 
clergy.  This  mode  of  treatment  was  for  popular  effect ; 
to  sow  the  seeds  of  prejudice  against  them.  Now  in  the 
more  promising  towns,  the  '  Standing  Order'  was  careful 
to  first  plant  their  standard.  Another  peculiarity  of  the 
times  was  the  exclusive  privileges  granted  to  this  leading 
denomination  by  the  Court  of  Massachusetts.  And  when 
its  members  had  become  numerous,  the  prospects  for  Bap- 
tists and  other  sects  were  less  in  those  places.  Besides, 
the  general  doctrines  of  the  sect  in  power  were  so  strongly 
impregnated  with  Arminianism,  that  the  doctrines  of  grace 
as  held  by  the  Baptists,  were  regarded  by  them  as  a  '  de- 
luding heterodoxy,'  and  by  means  of  the  influence  of  the 
'  standing'  clergy,  who  were  lauded  for  their  superior  wis- 
dom, the  same  idea  of  the  sentiments  of  the  Baptists  were 
common  among  the  laity.  In  Portland,  there  was  opposition 
to  their  sentiments  and  movements.*  In  1796,  the  Con- 
gregationalists,  after  an  uninterrupted  progress  of  about 
seventy  years,  had  become  a  numerous,  and  an  influential 
body,  with  Rev.  Dr.  Deane  at  their  head.  Their  doctrines 
were, '  Do  and  Live.'  When  Dr.  Green,  of  North  Yarmouth, 
Rev.  I.  Case,  and  some  other  Baptist  preachers  began  to 
visit  and  preach  occasionally  in  Portland,  there  were  but 
'  two  Baptists'  in  town,  and  Eld.  Case  says,  '  we  preached 
to  whomsoever  might  be  disposed  to  hear  us.'t  Before  the 
close  of  the  year  their  number  was  increased  to  four  or  five. 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour,  and  £.  P.  com.        fElder  Case's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  PORTLAND.  173 

These  invited  Baptist  preachers  to  come  and  preach  to 
them,  which  was  the  first  efforts  by  any  residing  in  the 
town  to  promote  a  Baptist  influence.  It  does  not  appear, 
however,  that  they  made  these  efforts  because  of  any  partic- 
ular interest  they  felt  at  that  time  in  the  subject  of  baptism, 
but  because  of  their  love  to  their  evangelical  doctrines  on 
other  points  of  Christian  faith.  Mr.  Benedict  says,  '  all 
this  time  they  had  no  thoughts  of  becoming  Baptists,  nor 
was  baptism  any  part  of  their  study.'  The  desire  for 
evangelical  preaching  therefore  dictated  their  invitations. 
Being  dissatisfied  with  the  Arminian  preaching  of  Dr. 
Deane,  when  they  could  not  procure  a  ministry  more  agree- 
able to  their  views,  they  attended  upon  the  preaching  of  a 
Rev.  Mr.  Clarke,  then  pastor  of  a  Congregational  church 
on  Cape  Elizabeth.  Of  this  privilege  they  were  soon  de- 
prived by  the  death  of  Mr.  C.  Benjamin  Titcomb,  then 
one  of  this  little  number,  opened  his  own  house  for  their 
convenience,  where  they  met  to  sing,  to  praise,  and  pray. 
Here  too  they  read  sermons  and  searched  the  scriptures, 
and '  having  taken  the  Bible  alone  for  their  guide,'  believers' 
baptism  of  course,  became  an  article  in  their  faith. 

Mr.  Titcomb  saw  the  truth  as  held  by  the  Baptists,  and 
by  his  request,  he  was  baptized  by  Rev.  Mr.  Green,  and 
added  to  the  church  in  North  Yarmouth.  The  same  '  ex- 
ample of  Christ/  was  soon  followed  by  others  in  Portland, 
which  was  a  novel  scene  here  to  the  curious  spectators. 
This  was  in  1799.  'About  this  time,'  says  Rev.  Mr.  Case, 
'  I  visited  Portland  and  baptized  a  Mrs.  Robinson,  and  sev- 
eral others.'  He  says,  also,  that  '  at  first  the  Baptists  could 
not  secure  a  congregation  of  more  than  a  half  a  dozen  ; 
but  now  the  number  of  hearers  became  too  numerous  for 
the  school-house  in  which  they  usually  met,  and  a  conven- 
ient hall  was  obtained  for  their  accommodation.'*  The 

"Elder  C.'s  Journal. 


174  CHURCH  IN   PORTLAND. 

number  of  the  baptized  increased  but  slowly.  When  the 
church  was  organized  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Mr.  Tit- 
comb,  July  24,  1801,  it  consisted  of  only  ten  persons,  three 
males  and  seven  females.  Thomas  Beck,  who  had  from 
the  first  been  one  of  their  number,  was  elected  their  first 
deacon.  Rev.  Mr.  Titcomb,  previously  (1799)  ordained 
at  North  Yarmouth,  became  its  pastor,  Sept.  1801  ;  and 
although  he  labored  with  this  church  at  that  time,  under 
some  peculiar  disadvantages,  the  greatest  of  which  was  a 
common  '  prejudice'  to  the  Baptists,  yet  there  was  an  addi- 
tion of  twenty-five,  in  the  three  years  of  his  ministry.  He 
resigned  the  office  here  Sept.  1804.  Their  place  of  wor- 
ship from  1801,  was  the  upper  room  of  a  three  storied 
building,  till  1803,  when,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  they 
completed  their  first  house  of  worship,  located  on  Federal 
street. 

From  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Titcomb  to  the  settlement 
of  Rev.  Josiah  Converse,  who  was  ordained  pastor,  Oct. 
20,  1807,  the  church  received  an  occasional  supply  from 
different  ministers,  and  was  blessed  with  some  prosperity. 
Mr.  Converse  resigned  in  1810,  leaving  the  church  with 
its  members  nearly  doubled  during  his  ministry.  He  was 
succeeded  the  same  year  by  Rev.  Caleb  Blood,  who  sus- 
tained the  office  of  pastor,  with  ability  and  success,  till  his 
death,  March  6,  1814.  During  his  miriistry,  (1811),  the 
Baptists  in  Portland  erected  a  second  and  more  commo- 
dious house  on  the  same  spot  where  the  first  had  stood.  This 
was  a  building  two  stories  high,  sixty-one  feet  by  sixty- 
four,  with  a  vestry.  Their  congregation  was  now  much 
enlarged.  And  although,  from  the  death  of  Mr.  B.,  they 
were  without  a  pastor,  yet  both  church  and  congregation 
increased  by  such  preaching  as  could  be  obtained  Their 
next  pastor  was  Thomas  B.  Ripley,  who  was  ordained 
July  24,  1816.  Soon  after  his  settlement  the  church  and 


CHURCH  IN  PORTLAND.  175 

congregation  were  blessed  with  a  very  extensive  revival, 
which  added  to  the  church  upwards  of  seventy  soujs.  Mr. 
Ripley  resigned  March,  1828,  and  Ebenezer  Thresher 
was  ordained  pastor,  Dec.  18, 1828.  He  resigned  March, 
1830.  The  next  November,  Rev.  Mr.  Leonard,  from 
Salem,  Mass.,  was  installed  pastor.  He  was  devoted  in 
his  work,  and  useful  to  the  Baptist  cause,  till  his  death, 
Aug.  12,  1831.  His  last  exhortation  was,  'Prepare  to 
meet  thy  God.'  This  sudden  removal  of  a  beloved  pastor 
was  the  occasion  of  much  mourning,  and  more  than  a  year 
passed  away  before  the  church  was  again  provided  with 
another.  Rev.  John  S.  Maginnis,  from  Newton  Theo- 
logical Institution,  and  now  Professor  of  Theology,  at 
Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  was  ordained  pastor,  September,  1832. 
His  labors  here  were  too  numerous  and  arduous  for  his 
feeble  constitution,  and  with  a  declined  health  he  resigned 
his  charge,  July  1837.  James  T.  Champlin  was  ordained 
pastor,  May  3,  1838.  Two  circumstances  combined  to 
induce  his  resignation,  ill  health  and  a  call  to  a  professor- 
ship in  Waterville  College.  He  accepted  the  call  from  the 
College,  and  resigned  his  charge  in  1841.  Their  present 
pastor,  Rev.  L.  F.  Beecher,  entered  the  office  October, 
1842. 

In  1836,  a  second  church,  called  the  '  Free  Street  Bap- 
tist church,'  was  organized  in  the  city.  To  aid  this 
organization,  fifty-four  members  of  this  church  were  dis- 
missed. This  arrangement  has  been  eminently  useful  to 
the  general  prosperity  of  the  Baptists  in  the  city. 

This  church  has  had  nine  pastors,  and  has  obtained 
much  prosperity  by  the  labors  of  each.  It  has  experi- 
enced many  refreshings  by  revivals,  and  has  passed  through 
many  trials,  especially  in  its  infancy. 

Nine  of  the  members  of  this  church  have  received 
license,  and  become  preachers  of  the  gospel ;  John  Uphold, 


176  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  CHINA. 

Daniel  Lewis,  Benjamin  Farnsworth,  Silas  llsley,  D.  C. 
Haynes,  B.  F.  Shaw,  John  F.  Burbank,  George  Knox  and 
Joseph  Ricker.  Five  of  its  members  have  been  dismissed 
to  join  other  denominations,  and  it  has  received  fourteen 
from  them.  There  are  connected  with  this  church  several 
societies  which  are  doing  much,  annually,  for  the  various 
causes  of  benevolence  which  they  are  designed  to  promote. 
This  church  is  still  prospering,  and  numbers  two  hundred 
and  sixty-seven  members.* 

CHINA  FIRST  CHURCH.  This  church  was  organized  to- 
wards the  close  of  1801,  and  consisted  of  seventeen  mem- 
bers, who  had  previously  been  members  of  the  first  church 
in  Vassal  borough.  There  had  been  several  revivals  in 
this  vicinity,  and  ministers  frequently  visited  this  north  part 
of  China,  then  called  the  '  Freetown  settlement.'  It  took  the 
name  of  Fairfax,  in  1804,  by  which  name  it  was  known 
till  the  town  was  incorporated  by  the  one  it  now  bears. 
Rev.  Jabez  Lewis  became  its  pastor  about  the  time  it  was 
constituted,  and  there  was  no  opposition  ;  but  the  advan- 
tages for  prosperity  being  favorable,  the  church  flourished. 
This  church  has  been  highly  favored  with  the  ministry  of 
the  gospel,  having  had  seven  pastors,  and  in  connection 
with  each  of  these  servants  of  God,  a  revival,  and  some- 
times very  extensive  and  glorious,  especially  the  one  wit- 
nessed while  Rev.  D.  Bartlett  was  laboring  with  the  church, 
in  1834  and  '35.  As  the  fruits  of  this  revival,  more  than 
one  hundred  were  converted  and  added  to  its  number. 
Besides  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  Elders  Stephen  Dexter,  Hadley 
Proctor,  Daniel  Stevens,  Jesse  Martin,  Daniel  Bartlett  and 
B.  F.  Shaw,  have  been  honored  with  a  useful  occupancy  in 
this  pleasant  field  of  gospel  labor.  The  churches  in  Pa- 
lermo, Albion  and  Winslow,  received  at  their  organization, 
members  from  this  church. 

•Edward  Fennel),  Ch.  C).  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  SVVANVILLE— SECOND  BUCKFIELD.    177 

Within  the  bosom  of  this  church  is  a  flourishing  Acade- 
my. This  institution  is  under  the  direction  and  manage- 
ment of  the  Baptists,  and  is  highly  beneficial  to  them  as 
well  as  to  the  community  generally. 

This  church  is  not  only  large  and  influential,  considering 
its  location  so  far  in  the  interior,  but  is  distinguished 
abroad  for  its  spirit  of  benevolence  and  generous  liberality 
to  the  cause  of  religion  and  humanity;  and  few  churches 
possess  equal  ability.  Its  total  of  members  is  two  hundred 
and  seventy-three.* 

SWANVILLE.  This  is  a  smajl  church,  jorganized  in  1801, 
with  seventeen  members.  It  was  first  called  Mt.  Ephraim. 
For  several  years  it  prospered  under  the  successive  labors 
of  Elders  John  Haines,  Job  Cushman,  Jason  Livermore, 
Thomas  Merrill,  and  others  who  occasionally  preached  to 
them.  But  for  the  last  twenty  years  it  has  had  but  little 
preaching — and  still  remains  destitute.  During  its  days 
of  prosperity  many  were  dismissed  to  aid  the  formation  of 
other  churches.  Deacon  Joshua  Smart,  one  of  its  early 
members,  and  deacon  James  Eaton,  have  ever  been  its 
main  supporters.!  A  church  of  thirty-eight  members  in 
Frankfort  originated  with  this  church  in  1807,  which  has 
become  extinct. 

SECOND  BUCKFIELD.  A  second  church  in  Brickfield 
was  gathered  in  1802,  and  consisted  of  eighteen  members, 
most  of  whom  were  previously  dismissed  from  the  church 
in  Paris.  For  many  years  this  church,  l^ke  its  neighbor, 
the  first  church  in  this  same  town,  was  small,  and  seemed 
hastening  to  a  similar  fate.  Rev.  George  Ricker  was  its 
first  pastor  and  principal  promoter  from  1805  to  1810, 
when  he  removed  to  Minot.  It  was  then  destitute  of  a 
pastor  and  received  the  assistance  of,  only  occasional 
preaching  by  neighboring  ministers.  About  1822,  E. 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  A.    fMin.  L.  and  W.  A. 


178  CHURCH   IN  NEW  SHARON. 

Harlow  who  had  previously  been  a  deacon  in  this  church, 
was  licensed,  and  about  two  years  after,  was  ordained  pas- 
tor. Since  then  he  has  labored  for  the  good  of  this  church 
of  Zion.  His  labors  have  not  been  in  vain,  although  the 
church  has  not  at  any  time  been  very  prosperous  Its 
present  number  of  members  is  fifty-two,  a  fraction  more  than 
it  was  in  1824.  It  has  been  known  by  the  name  '  Buck- 
field,'  since  the  first  church  fell  asleep.  During  the  time 
of  its  destitution  it  received  aid  from  the  Association,  a 
portion  of  voluntary  supplies  being  devoted  to  its  interests. 
At  present,  this  church  is  jvaming  in  spirituality  and  ac- 
tivity.* 

NEW  SHARON.  The  original  inhabitants  in  New  Sharon 
were  of  different  religious  views.  Some  were  Methodists, 
some  were  Free-will  Baptists,  but  the  greater  part  were 
favorable  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Congregationalists,  and  a 
church  of  that  order  was  constituted  here  in  ISOl.t  There 
were  no  Baptists,  and  none  that  felt  much  sympathy  or 
affection  for  them.  The  prevailing  sentiments  were  Ar- 
minian ;  and  therefore  when  Rev.  Mr.  Billings,  of  Fayette, 
first  visited  and  preached  in  1800,  he  found  much  opposi- 
tion to  the  doctrines  he  propagated  among  them.  But  this 
opposition  in  a  few  years  was  mostly  overcome  by  a  faithful 
preaching  of  the  word,  and  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit 
which  accompanied  it. 

Mr.  Billings  having  opened  the  way,  other  Baptist  min- 
isters soon  followed  him,  and  by  their  preaching  some  in 
this  town  and  some  in  the  settlement  now  called  Mercer, 
became  Baptists,  to  the  small  number  of  twelve,  who  were 
constituted  into  a  church  in  1802.  Their  places  of  wor- 
ship were  dwelling-houses  and  barns,  but  with  the  blessing 
of  God  which  attended  the  occasional  preaching,  which  was 
all  they  could  procure  for  a  number  of  years,  their  numbers 

*Min.  B.  C.  and  O.  Associations.       t Green.  Ecc.  Hist.  p.  202. 


CHURCH  IN  NEW  SHARON.  179 

and  influence  increased.  Mr.  Moses  Wood,  a  licentiate, 
preached  considerable  with  them  in  1808  and  '9,  when  the 
church  was  blessed  with  a  precious  revival,  which  swelled 
their  number  by  an  addition  of  forty.  In  1812  and  '13, 
another  revival  blessed  the  church.  They  were  about  this 
time  supplied  with  preaching  by  Elder  Samuel  Sweat  and 
Ambrose  Arnold.  Mr.  Arnold  was  licensed  by  the  church 
in  1811  ;  ordained  in  1812;  and  died  in  1813.  From  its 
organization  to  1815,  Elders  Palmer  and  E.  Taylor,  preach- 
ed much  with  this  church,  with  acceptance  and  profit.* 

This  church  was  not  blessed  with  a  regular  pastor  till 
1816,  when  commenced  anew  period  in  its  history.  Hith- 
erto they  had  had  no  regular  place  of  worship.  This  year, 
1816,  the  first  meeting-house  in  town  was  built,  in  which 
the  Baptists  owned  a  share,  and  which  they  occupied  one- 
fourth  of  the  time  till  1835,  when  their  present  house  was 
built  at  a  cost  of  $1800.  This  house  is  fifty  feet  by  forty 
feet.  This  year,  Rev.  Sylvanus  Boardman  became  pastor, 
which  connection  still  continues,  and  will,  probably,  till 
dissolved  by  death.  Mr.  B.  preached  statedly  with  this 
church  one  half  of  the  time  till  1836,  receiving  a  salary  not 
much  exceeding  the  proportion  of  the  Ministerial  Fund  in 
town,  which  belonged  to  the  Baptists,  which  is  about  850. 
His  entire  ministry  was  bestowed  upon  the  church  from 
1836  to  1839,  when,  by  the  request  of  Mr.  B.,  N.  M. 
Williams  was  settled  junior  pastor  by  ordination. 

Mr.  Boardman  has  been  a  Father  to  this  church,  always 
ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  interest  to  the  good  of  his  breth- 
ren. There  was  not  during  his  ministry  any  extensive 
revival  experienced,  but  a  gradual  progress  in  the  ways  of 
the  Lord,  added,  almost  annually,  numbers,  ability,  and 
influence,  to  the  church.  The  good  accomplished,  was 
permanent. 

•John  Clark,  Ch.  Cl.  Com. 


180  CHURCH  IW  CANAAN. 

Mr.  Williams  was  much  beloved  by  the  church  and  peo- 
ple, and  his  ministry  was  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  a 
number  of  souls.  He  was  useful  in  the  church  till  he 
removed  to  Farmington,  in  1842.  Rev.  L.  C.  Stevens  is 
their  present  junior  pastor,  and  the  church  is  in  a  pros- 
perous state.  There  are  several  benevolent  and  religious 
societies  connected  with,  and  embraced  in,  this  church, 
which  contribute  about  $75,  annually.  Its  present  num- 
ber is  ninety-three.* 

CANAAN,  (now  called  FIRST  BLOOMFIELD).  As  the  first 
settlement  which  was  made  (1775)t  in  Somerset  County, 
began  on  the  spot  where  this  church  is  located,  it  will  be 
proper  to  confine  our  attention  a  moment  to  the  rise  of  the 
town,  and  particularly  to  the  progress  of  religion  as  the 
people  increased. 

After  the  Revolutionary  struggle  was  ended,  the  town 
settled  rapidly,  and  a  Presbyterian  minister  was  employed 
in  1784.  It  appears  however  that  the  people  did  not  favor 
his  doctrines ;  for  after  a  ten  years'  struggle  to  bring  them 
under  his  influence,  the  people  cast  off  the  yoke  and  em- 
braced the  Arminian  doctrines  of  the  Congregationalists. 
The  Presbyterian  church  was  disbanded  in  1794,  and  in 
1801,t  a  Congregational  church  was  organized  in  its  place, 
or  revived,  as  it  appe'ars  that  a  church  of  the  same  descrip- 
tion had  existed  from  1794.  To  this  church,  says  Mr. 
Coburn,  '  every  body  belonged,'  as  '  no  experience  was 
required,  but  a  moderate  morality  was  a  sufficient  qualifi- 
cation to  membership. 'I 

But  among  the  many  were  a  few  individuals,  however, 
who  desired  a  more  orthodox  ministry,  and  to  secure  which 
they  invited  Elders  Asa  Wilbur  and  Jabez  Lewis,  of  Sid- 
ney, to  visit  them  and  preach  to  the  people  the  gospel  of 
Christ.  This  invitation  was  extended  in  1796.  It  is  not 

*J.  Clarke, Ch.  Cl.  com.    jGieen.  E.  h.  pp.  210,211.    JS.  W.  Coburn's  com. 


CHURCH  IN  CANAAN.  181 

certain  that  at  this  time  any  of  those  who  were  dissatisfied 
with  the  town  ministry,  had  any  particular  preference  for 
Baptist  doctrines.  But  Messrs.  W.  and  L.  came  and 
preached,  and  in  this  manner  Baptist  sentiments  were  intro- 
duced. Soon  some  of  the  people  became  piously  attached 
to  their  principles,  and  were  baptized.  Opposition  to  the 
Baptists  now  awoke,  '  and  no  reproaches  were  too  severe 
to  heap  upon  the  adherents  to  the  new  religion.'  '  Their 
doctrines  were  ridiculed  and  baptism  was  repudiated.'  But 
the  Baptists  multiplied,  and  the  pious  united  with  the  Bap- 
tist church  in  Clinton.  In  1803,  a  sufficient  number  was 
found  in  Bloomfield,  to  constitute  a  church.  It  was  organ- 
ized with  fifteen  members  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Mr. 
Daniel  Smith,  who  became  their  deacon.*  From  this  time 
till  1836,  a  period  of  about  thirty-three  years,  its  history 
presents  a  peculiar  mixture  of  trials  and  blessings. 

In  1806,  Rev.  H.  Kendall,  while  performing  a  mission- 
ary tour  to  the  Piscataquis  County,  made  a  short  tarry 
with  this  church,  and  to  them  his  efforts  were  especially 
blessed.  A  revival  was  enjoyed  and  fifty  added  to  the 
church.  But  their  opposers  did  not  permit  them  to  enjoy 
the  blessing  quietly.  Eld.  Kendall  says,  '  notwithstanding 
the  violent  opposition  of  Arminianism,  the  revival  spread 
and  many  were  converted,  among  whom  were  Jonathan 
Steward,  converted  from  Congregational  errors,  and  Robert 
Coburn  and  David  Steward  from  the  love  of  sin.'  The 
two  former  became  Baptist  preachers.  Respecting  him- 
self, he  says,  '  I  was  called  by  Congregational  professors, 
a  liar,  a  thief,  &-c.  &c.;  but  at  length  these  persecutors 
confessed  their  wrongs  and  all  was  still.' 

From  1809  to  1814,  the  church  was  unfortunate  in  the 
settlement  of  the  ministry.  John  Wagg  from  1809  to '12, 
and  Joshua  Brooks  from  1812,  two  years.  The  efforts  and 

*Mr.  Coburn'i  com. 
9 


182  CHURCH  UN  CANAAN. 

proceedings  of  both  these  men  were  altogether  unprofitabFe 
to  the  church  and  to  the  Baptist  cause. 

From  1814  to  1822,  Elders  J.  Steward,  Francis  Powers, 
and  R.  Coburn  supplied  the  church,  and  with  good  suc- 
cess. From  1823  to  1825,  the  occasional  ministry  of  Rev. 
Samuel  Densmore  was  added  to  that  of  those  just  mention- 
ed. During  this  period,  another  revival  was  enjoyed. 
From  1825  to  1829,  the  church  received  a  supply  from 
Waterville  College.  From  1829  to  1832,  Rev.  N.  Hooper 
was  pastor.  This  was  a  period  of  trials  ;  Mr.  Hooper  be- 
came unprofitable,  and  resigned.  In  1836,  Rev.  A.  Drink- 
water  received  the  charge  of  the  church.  By  his  judicious 
labors,  the  church  experienced  almost  uninterrupted  pros- 
perity. Respecting  their  first  meeting-house,  built  1812, 
they  have  had  much  trial  and  difficulty.  'In  1841,'  says 
Mr.  C.,  '  it  was  reduced  to  ashes,  when  the  house,  with  all 
the  disputes  concerning  it  were  ended.'  They  now  have  a 
new  and  convenient  house. 

The  churches  Canaan,  (formerly  second  Canaan)  Madi- 
son, Norridgewock  and  second  Bloomfield,  are  the  indirect 
fruits  of  this ;    and  brethren  J.  Steward,  R.  Coburn  and 
N.  Hooper,  jr.,  have  become  ministers.     There  are  several 
benevolent  societies  connected  with  this  body,  which  con- 
tribute annually  about  $75.     Seven  of  its  members  have 
officiated  as  deacons,  five  of  whom  have  died.     It  deserves 
to  be   remarked,  that  the  old  Arminian  Congregational 
church  fell  by  the  influence  of  its  own  inconsistency,  and 
on  its  ruins  the  present  church  of  the  Congregational  faith 
was  built.     By  management,  this  church  secured   all  the 
ministerial  funds  belonging  to  the  town,  worth  about  $250 
annually,  so  that  the  Baptists  have  had  to  rly  upon  the 
blessing  of  God  upon  their  own  resources.*     But  although 
aboring  under  these  unequal  circumstances,    yet  as  to 

*Mr.  Coburn's  com.  and  Min.  B.  and  K.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  NORTH  YARMOUTH.        193 

numbers  and  wealth,  they  are  about  equal  to  their  neigh- 
bors.    Present  number,  one  hundred  and  fifteen. 

NORTH  YARMOUTH.      The  first   settlement   in   North 
Yarmouth  was  made  about  the  year  1680.     The  settlers 
were  much  annoyed  by  the  Indians,  and  in  a  few  years  the 
little  colony  was  entirely  broken  up  by  them.     It  was  re- 
settled in  1722,  and  a  Congregational  church  was  gathered 
and  a  minister  'settled  here   in   1730.     The  first  Baptist 
minister  who  preached  here  was  Elder  H.  Smith,  about  the 
year  1780.     At  this  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Oilman  was  pastor 
of  the  Congregational  church.     Mr.  Smith  visited  the  peo- 
ple and  preached  Christ  to  them,  in  compliance  with  the 
invitation,  it  is  supposed,  of  a  Mr.  Davis,  'who  resided 
near  what  is  now  called  Davis'  Landing,  at  whose  house 
he  first  preached,  and  whom  he  baptized  in  an  arm  of  the 
sea  which  made  up  near  his  house.'     It  is  said,  that '  at  this 
meeting  Rev.  Mr.  Oilman  made  his  appearance,  abusively 
assailed  and  reproached  Mr.  Smith,  and  warned  the  peo- 
ple against  '  strange  fire,'  '  New  Lights,'  and  '  wandering 
men,'  calling  themselves  ministers.'     Their  opposition  and 
persecution  commenced  with  these  pious  movements  of  the 
Baptists.     The  baptism  of  Mr.  D.  caused  much  excite- 
ment.    It  was  said,  if  not  believed,  by  many,  that  he  was 
'  crazy,'  and  '  deranged,'  etc.,  because  he  was  baptized. 
'  He  was  the  first,  and  for  a  time  the  only  Baptist  in  the 
town  ;'  and  '  for  his  love  and  obedience  to  the  truth,  suf- 
fered much.'     It  is  very  probable  that  Mr.  Davis  did  not 
live  to  enjoy  the  privileges  of  a  Baptist  society  or  church, 
as  his  name  is  not  on  the  records  of  the  church. 

Says  Rev.  Mr.  Bradford,*  'About  thirteen  years  after 
the  baptism  of  Mr.  Davis,  Elder  Potter  preached  and  bap- 
tized at  the  Falls.  The  first  whom  he  baptized  were  Mr. 

*Mosl  of  the  facts  embodied  in  this  account,  are  selected  from  an  article 
written  by  Rev.  Z.  Bradford,  and  published  in  the  Min.  of  Cum.  As.  for  1843. 


184        CHURCH  IN  NORTH  YARMOUTH. 

Jeremiah  Stubbs,  of  the  Congregational  church,  and  Judith 
Winslow ;'  and  '  very  near  this  time,  he  baptized  John 
Drinkwater  and  Dea.  S.  York,'  members  of  the  same 
church.  This  renunciation  of  Pedo-baptism,  and  the  suc- 
cess of  Baptist  effort,  excited,  as  the  like  had  done  in  many 
other  places,  '  a  violent  spirit  of  scandal  and  persecution,' 
against  those  who  embraced  Baptist  sentiments  ;  and  the 
trials  thereby  occasioned,  were  to  them  the  more  severe, 
because  the  most  vehement  of  their  opposers  were  pro- 
fessors of  godliness.  It  appears,  that  from  this  time  Mr  P. 
preached  often;  and  the  community,  inflamed  with  impas- 
sioned zeal  for  '  the  Diana  of  the  Puritans' — sprinkling — 
became  enraged  at  the  Baptists.'  Bitter  prejudices  and 
false  representations  were  common  among  the  people.  The 
following  anecdote,  related  by  Mr.  B.,  is  an  illustration: 
'  Elder  Potter  passing  the  house  of  a  family  not  professors 
of  religion,  but  belonging  to  the  Standing  order,  and  who 
loved  the  Baptists  as  well  as  any  in  town,  who  did  not 
espouse  their  cause — one  of  them  remarked,  'There  comes 
that  'awful  creature ;'  when  one  of  the  family,  a  little  girl 
four  years  old,  now  a  member  of  the  church,  ran  at  the 
window,  and  as  soon  as  she  saw  him,  exclaimed,  '  Why, 
mother,  he's  a  man — he's  a  man,  mother.' 

Elder  Potter  preached,  at  one  time,  in  the  barn  of  Mr. 
Oliver  Byram ;  Elder  Wm.  Hooper  was  present,  and  also 
Mr.  Gilman.  Mr.  Oilman  was  very  complaisant  to  Mr.  P., 
and  '  sat  an  orderly  hearer'  during  the  discourse.  As  was 
the  custom  with  Baptists  in  those  days,  Mr.  P.  '  gave  liber- 
ty' to  speak  after  the  sermon  ;  '  whereupon  Mr.  G.  arose, 
warned  the  people  again  against  '  strange  fire,'  '  New 
Lights,'  etc.,  and  asked  Mr.  P.  '  what  he  came  here  for  ; 
who  gave  him  liberty  ;  who  sent  him,'  &c.  ;  and  conclud- 
ed by  saying  to  the  people,  that  they  had  no  excuse  for 
leaving  his  ministry,  for  he  preached  the  same  truths  they 


CHURCH  IN  NORTH  YARMOUTH.        JQ5 

had  just  heard  from  Mr.  Potter.'  Elder  Case  relates  this 
circumstance  as  having  occurred  at  the  first  meeting  held 
in  town  by  Mr.  P.,  and  that  Mr.  Gilman  further  said,  '  the 
Baptists  have  the  scriptures  on  their  side,  and  that  if  they 
followed  their  preachers,  they  would  make  Baptists  of 
them.'  Elder  Case  says,  also,  this  last  remark  of  Mr.  G. 
'  was  the  means  under  God  of  leading  Mr.  Stubbs  from 
error  into  the  truth.'*  It  appears  from  the  account 
Elder  C.  gives,  that  Mr.  Stubbs  was  a  man  of  some  educa- 
tion, and  a  strong  Pedo-baptist.  He  doubted  the  correct- 
ness of  Mr.  G.'s  remark,  and  resolved  on  knowing  the 
truth.  This  he  found,  and  became  the  first  '  lively'  stone 
in  the  Baptist  church. 

Several  had  now  become  Baptists,  and  the  inconsistencies 
of  their  opposefs  inclined  many  to  favor1  them.  They 
were  however  taxed  by  the  old  parish.  Dr.  Baldwin,  of 
Boston,  was  now  consulted  as  regards  the  best  measures 
to  be  adopted  to  secure  exemption  from  taxes  by  the 
'  standing  order,'  and  for  the  support  of  Baptist  preaching. 
By  his  advice,  it  seems,  a  voluntary  association  was  formed, 
and  a  subscription  made,  and  the  Rev.  Abraham  Cum- 
mings  was  procured  as  a  supply.  But  they  were  still  taxed ; 
and  more,  they  were  persecuted.  Having  no  house  of 
worship,  they  were  much  annoyed,  and  driven  from  place 
to  place,  from  one  school-house  to  another,  until  some 
eight  or  ten  of  them  built  a  school-house  at  the  '  Corner,' 
where  they  peacefully  worshipped  for  tvyo  or  three  years. 

After  suffering  the  obloquy,  the  calumny,  and  the 
seizure  and  sacrifice  of  much  of  their  property  to  support 
the  intolerant  spirit  for  more  than  three  years,  they  resolved 
to  become  incorporated  ;  but  the  act  of  incorporation  was 
not  granted  them,  however,  until  1797.  In  1796,  the 
Baptists  had  obtained  an  influence  and  strength  to  erect  a 

*Elder  Case's  memorandum. 


186  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  ST.  GEORGE. 

house  for  worship,  at  a  cost  of  .£1358  4s  5d.  This  house 
was  built  upon  '  Byrara's  hill,'  where  is  their  present 
location. 

On  the  18th  of  January,  1797,  the  church  was  organized 
with  seven  members,  and  Dr.  Thomas  Green  was  chosen 
pastor.  Opposition  to  Mr.  Green  and  to  the  church, 
'  showed  itself  in  hydra  forms.'  Mr.  Green's  '  character 
was  publicly  assailed,'  and  he  endured  with  a  pious  for- 
bearance much  '  slander  and  persecution.'  Mr.  Green  was 
pastor  thirteen  years,  when  declining  health  induced  his 
resignation.  He  has  been  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  office 
by  Elders  Sylvanus  Boardman,  Otis  Briggs,  S.  Chapin,  A. 
King,  J.  Butler,  and  Z.  Bradford.  During  the  labors  of 
these  worthy  servants  of  God,  the  church  has  prospered, 
and  is  now  a  flourishing  body  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen 
members.  The  following  ministers  originated  in,  and  have 
gone  out  from  this  church — Benjamin  Titcomb,  A.  Drink- 
water,  Silas  Stearns,  B.  P.  Byram,  and  E.  R.  Warren. 
Rev.  G.  D.  Boardman,  missionary  to  India,  received  his 
ordination  and  his  outfit  in  this  church  ;  also,  Sarah  Curn- 
mings,  missionary  to  Burmah,  (deceased)  and  Jane  Kelley, 
missionary  to  the  Indians  in  the  West,  were  from  this 
church.  This  church  has  experienced  many  precious 
seasons  of  refreshing  revivals,  and  many  souls  have  been 
converted  to  God. 

FIRST  ST.  GEORGE,  (formerly  GUSHING.)  The  terri- 
tory lying  along  the  St.  George  river,  in  the  easterly  part 
of  Lincoln  county,  was  called  Gushing,  (or  Cushen),  until 
that  part  lying  on  the  east  side,  and  south  of  Thomaston, 
took  the  name  by  which  it  is  now  known.  There  were  no 
religious  movements  in  this  place,  till  the  Rev.  I.  Case 
visited  the  people  in  1784,  in  the  time  of  the  first  revival  in 
Thomaston.  Elders  Case  and  Snow  frequently  preached 
among  them,  and  there  being  no  established  order  of  reli- 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  ST.  GEORGE.  jgy 

gious  faith  to  exert  a  controlling  influence  over  them,  Bap- 
tist doctrines  were  more  readily  received.  A  church  was 
constituted  in  1789,  by  the  name  of  Gushing,  now  the  first 
in  St.  George,  but  did  not  unite  with  the  Bowdoinham  Asso- 
ciation until  1793,  when  Rev.  Ephraim  Hall  was  ordained 
pastor.  It  then  had  nineteen  members,  but  was  the  same 
year  increased  to  forty-nine,  by  a  revival  of  religion.  Mr. 
H.  closed  his  ministry  with  the  church  in  1809,  and  the 
members  were  left  to  sustain  the  cause,  aided  only  by  occa- 
sional supplies,  until  1811,  when  Rev.  Benjamin  Eames 
was  elected  pastor,  who  actively  and  most  successfully  sus- 
tained the  office  until  1839,  and  still  lives  the  senior  pas- 
tor, to  see  the  prosperity  of  the  church,  for  whose  welfare 
he  so  long  labored.  Perhaps  no  church  in  the  State  has 
had  so  uniform,  and  so  uninterrupted  prosperity  as  this 
church.  God  has  blessed  it  with  several  most  general  and 
glorious  refreshings  from  his  presence.  Large  additions 
have  been  made  to  its  numbers  in  these  seasons  of  special 
mercy.  Their  prosperity  did  not  decline  with  the  age  and 
health  of  their  venerable  and  useful  pastor  ;  but  usual  suc- 
cess has  attended  the  ministry  of  their  junior  pastors.  It 
has  had  two  associate  pastors^  Rev.  T.  L  Pillsbury  was 
ordained  in  1839.  He  preached  about  two  years,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Joseph  Kalloch,  who  is  the  present 
acting  pastor. 

There  were  revivals  under  the  ministry  of  their  first 
pastor,  and  a  large  dismission  to  constitute  a  church 
in  Friendship  ;  six  during  the  active'  ministry  of  the 
second,  and  another  large  dismission  to  constitute  a  second 
church  in  St.  George  ;  and  one  during  the  ministry  of  their 
present  pastor,  and  a  third  dismission  to  constitute  a  third 
church  in  St.  George.  The  church  has  a  total  of  two 
hundred  and  forty-three  members,  is  in  a  prosperous  state, 
and  actively  engaged  in  the  cause  of  benevolence.* 

*Min.  B.  and  L.  Ass.,  and  Eld.  Case's  Journal. 


188  CHURCH  IN  ISLESBOROUGH. 

ISLESBOROUGH,  (or  LONG  ISLAND).  This  Island  lies  in 
the  Penobscot  Bay,  about  south-east  from  Belfast,  and  was 
settled  about  the  same  time  with  that  place.  The  Islanders 
were  mostly  destitute  of  gospel  privileges  till  the  Baptists 
began  to  preach  on  the  Island  in  1790.*  A  revival  atten- 
ded their  efforts,  and  a  church  was  gathered  hefe  in  1791, 
by  Rev.  I.  Case,  who  had  the  privilege  of  baptizing  those 
who  were  pious.  Mr.  Case  was  with  them  occasionally 
for  many  years  subsequently,  and  aided  them  by  his  coun- 
sel and  preaching.*  Other  Baptist  preachers  also,  were 
occasionally  on  the  Island,  and  assisted  this  feeble  church. 
In  1804,  Mr.  P.  Pilsbury,  who  had  been  licensed  to  preach 
by  the  Pedo-baptists,was  baptized  on  this  Island  in  the  time 
of  this  special  work  of  grace,  by  Rev.  I.  Case,  who  partic- 
ipated in  the  labors  by  which  this  revival  was  promoted. 
At  this  time  Mr.  C.  baptized  forty-three  persons.* 

Mr.  Pilsbury  was  also  eminently  useful  in  this  revival, 
having  already  commenced  preaching.  This  year  Rev. 
Thomas  Ames  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church,  and  a 
meeting-house  was  erected  for  their  accommodation.  In 
1809,  Rev.  Lemuel  Rich  was  elected  the  pastor  of  the 
church,  and  lor  many  years  was  useful  to  the  Baptists  on 
the  Island,  and  some  revival  in  1815,  was  a  means  of  en- 
larging the  church.  Soon  after  this  the  stated  ministry  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Rich  closed,  and  the  church  was  left  destitute, 
and  remained  so  for  many  years  ;  had  but  a  small  amount 
of  preaching,  their  numbers  very  much  diminished,  and  the 
church  once  large  and  prosperous,  became  small  and  fee- 
ble. They  began  to  rise  from  adversity  by  the  labors  of 
Rev.  E.  H.  Emery  in  1832.  He  preached  about  three 
years,  when  its  days  of  prosperity  began  again  to  be  repeat- 
ed. In  1840,  the  Lord  revived  his  work,  souls  were  con- 
verted, and  the  church  increased;  and  again  in  1843,  were 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour. 


CHURCH  IN  VINALHAVEN.  189 

they  refreshed  and  built  up,  and  Rev.  W.  J.  Durgin,  has 
become  their'pastor,  Their  present  number  is  one  hundred 
and  twenty-eight.* 

VINALHAVEN.  This  church  is  situated  on  an  Island  of 
the  same  name,  lying  east  of  Thomaston  in  Penobscot 
Bay.  Previous  to  1794,  when  first  visited  by  Eld.  Case, 
the  people  had  been  blessed  with  but  a  little  preaching. 
For  seven  or  eight  years  Baptists  had  multiplied  on  the 
adjacent  Islands.  This  year  Eld.  Case  visited  and  preach- 
ed Christ  to  them,  and  '  about  fourteen  souls  were  con- 
verted and  added  -as  a  branch  to  the  church  in  Thomaston.' 
Anthony  Dyer  was  appointed  a  deacon  among  them.  This 
Branch  Church  held  meetings  on  Lord's  day,  seasons  for 
conference,  and  were  authorized  to  receive  candidates  for 
baptism.t  Eld.  Case  visited  this  Island  and  others  around 
it,  occasionally  for  several  years,  and  baptized  a  large  num- 
ber who  became  Baptists.  In  1803  and  '04,  there  were 
extensive  revivals  on  several  Islands  in  the  vicinity  of  Vi- 
nalhaven.  These  revivals  were  promoted  by  the  ministry 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Merrill,  Congregational  minister  at  Sedgwick, 
P.  Pilsbury  and  Henry  Hale,  licensed  preachers  of  that 
church.  On  this  Island  the  work  was  truly  interesting. 
Eld.  Case  baptized  on  Vinalhaven,  nineteen ;  among  whom 
was  Henry  Hale.  These  uniting  with  the  members  of  the 
old  Branch,  were  formed  an  independent  church. t  About 
this  time  the  Baptists  on  thjs  Island  built  a  convenient 
house  for  worship.  Rev.  John  Haines  became  pastor,  and 
for  several  years  the  church  continued  in  a  prosperous  state. 
Eld.  Haines  resigned  about  the  year  1810.  From  this 
time  till  1830,  it  does  not  appear  that  the  church  enjoyed 
the  blessing  of  a  pastor's  labors.  But  with  such  supplies 
as  they  could  procure,  the  church  received  many  additions, 
and  sustained  the  cause  amidst  every  discouragement. 

*Min.  B.  L.  and  W.  Asso.    fEld.  Case's  Com. 
9* 


190        CHURCH   IN  JEFFERSON  AND  LANCASTER. 

In  1830,  Rev.  Richard  Y  Watson,  became  pastor,  and 
was  beneficial  to  the  cause,  till  he  left  (1833).  Their  next 
pastor  was  Rev.  G.  J.  Newton,  who  was  with  them  from 
1836,  about  two  years.  Being  now  destitute,  there  was  a 
loss  of  members,  and  a  declension  of  piety  in  the  church, 
till  1842,  when  a  concern  for  Zion  began  to  be  awakened 
under  the  ministry  of  Eld.  N.  Copeland,  and  in  1843,  a 
precious  work  of  revival  was  experienced,  and  Rev.  Wm. 
Glover  was  settled,  and  is  their  present  pastor".  Rev.  Benj. 
Ames  and  Rev.  Sam'l  Macomber,  received  approbation  by 
this  church  to  preach  the  gospel.  The  present  number  of 
members  is  one  hundred  and  twenty-four.* 

JEFFERSON  AND  LANCASTER.  This  church,  though 
united  in  association  with  churches  in  Maine,  was  located 
in  New-Hampshire.  It  was  organized  by  Elder  Case  in 
1804t — was  divided  in  1810  into  two  churches.  In  1829, 
when  the  Oxford  Association  was  formed,  they  did  not 
unite  with  it. 

SUMNER.  The  towns  Sumner  and  Hartford  were  first 
known  by  one  name,  '  Butterfield'  In  1798,  they  were 
incorporated  by  their  present  names.  About  this  time  they 
began  to  be  favored  with  occasional  preaching  by  Baptists 
and  Congregationalists.  The  latter  were  before  the  Bap- 
tists in  gathering  a  church.  They  organized  a  church  in 
S.  in  1802,  which  embraced  members  in  both  towns.  Elds. 
S.  Boardman  and  N.  Chase  were  in  Sumner,  and  preach- 
ed frequently  about  this  time.  In  1802,  Mr.  John  Briggs, 
who  afterwards  became  a  Baptist  deacon,  was  baptized  by 
Eld.  Chase,  and  soon  several  others  who  united  in  the 
church  in  Buckfield,  of  which  Eld.  C.  was  pastor.  We 
are  told  that  the  Baptists  '  here  had  their  enemies,'  and 
their  pious  endeavors  were  much  opposed.  They  were 
not  however  driven  from  the  field,  into  which  they  felt  that 

*Min.  L.A.     tEld.  C's  Jour. 


CHURCH  IN  SUMNER^BETHEL.  \Q\ 

Christ  had  called  them.  They  asked  only  equal  privileges 
with  their  neighbors.  This  they  claimed,  and  this  they 
contended  for.  They  multiplied,  and  in  1804,  nineteen, 
eight  males  and  eleven  females  were  recognized  by  a  coun- 
cil, as  a  church  of  Christ  in  Sumner.  This  was  on  the 
14th  of  June,  and  the  same  day  Rev.  Thomas  Macomber 
was  ordained  pastor,  which  office  he  magnified  in  the 
church  till  1816,  when  he  resigned.  Their  next  pastor  was 
Joseph  Palmer,  who  officiated  from  1817  to  1831.  During 
this  period,  two  revivals  blessed  the  church.  The  first  was 
in  1823  ;  the  second  about  the  time  he  left,  which  was 
much  promoted  by  the  labors  of  Eld.  Haines.  Their  pres- 
ent pastor,  Manassah  Lawrence,  was  ordained  into  the 
office  in  1833,  by  whose  ministry  the  church  prospers. 
They  worshipped  in  private  dwelling-houses  and  school- 
houses  till  1835,  when  they  completed  their  present  con- 
venient meeting-house.  Though  opposed,  their  increase 
will  not  suffer  in  the  comparison  with  other  sects  in  town.* 
Present  number  of  the  church  is  one  hundred  and  twelve.t 
BETHEL.  This  town  was  first  called  '  Sudbury  Canada,' 
from  the  circumstance  that  it  was  granted  to  certain  per- 
sons of  Sudbury,  Mass.,  for  services  performed  in  Canada 
in  '  the  old  French  war,'  and  the  first  settlement  was  made 
by  a  Mr.  Samuel  Ingalls,  in  1776.  The  first  settlers  were 
prejudiced  in  favor  of  no  particular  sect  of  religious  faith. 
The  Baptists  occasionally  visited  this  town  soon  after  the 
churches  in  Paris  and  Hebron  were  organized,  and  in  1795 
a  church  of  seven  members  was  constituted.  At  first,  they 
did  not  prosper.  They  enjoyed  the  ministry  of  Rev.  John 
Chadbourn,  but  had  no  increase.  At  the  end  of  seven 
years  their  number  was  reduced  to  but  two  members.  In 
1802,  assisted  by  travelling  preachers,  they  received  an 
addition  of  three  by  baptism,  and  May  28, 1803,  one  more ; 

*B.  Cary  Ch.  Clk.  com.     fMin.  O.  A. 


192  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790—1801. 

and  on  the  following  day,  for  the  first  time,  they  partook  of 
the  Lord's  supper.  In  1804,  the  church  enjoyed  a  special 
revival,  and  were  made  to  forget  their  days  of  adversity. 
Ebenezer  Bray  was  ordained  as  pastor  in  1807.  He  was  a 
useful  under-shepherd  until  his  convictions  of  duty  induc- 
ed him  to  resign  in  1812.  Twenty-nine  were  added  under 
his  ministry. 

The  church  was  now  destitute  of  a  pastor,  but  prosper- 
ed by  occasional  supplies  from  neighboring  ministers, 
among  whom  Rev,  A.  Drinkwater  was  the  most  frequent, 
from  1812  to  1817.  The  next  year  Rev.  Daniel  Mason 
was  elected  pastor,  and  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  life  in 
the  cause  of  this  church.  He  died  in  1835.  Mr.  M.  was 
indefatigable  in  his  efforts,  laboring  with  his  own  hands  for 
most  of  his  support,  of  his  family,  and  in  the  ministry  as 
much  as  his  circumstances  allowed  him.  There  was  no 
special  revival  in  the  church  while  he  administered  to  them, 
but  a  cheering  gradual  prosperity.  He  was  succeeded  the 
next  year  (1836)  by  Rev.  Benj.  Donham,  who  was  ordain- 
ed as  pastor  in  October,  and  continues  their  successful 
guide  and  instructor.  Present  number  one  hundred  and 
thirty-two.* 


CHAPTER  XI. 

History  of  the  Bowdoinham  Association  from  1790  to  the  formation  of  the 
Lincoln  Association  in  1804 — Extensive  revivals  in  1798  and  1799 — the 
Lord's  Supper  administered  at  the  Association  in  '98 — an  Ordination  in 
'99 — success  of  the  '  Gospel  Mission' — Dr.  Baldwin  present,  and  Ordina- 
tion of  Mr.  Titcomb  in  1801— Revision  of  Articles  of  Faith  in  1802. 

In  1790,  the  total  of  communicants  in  the  Bowdoinham 
Association  was  three  hundred  and  seventeen,  embodied 
in  six  churches.  Connected  with  these  churches  were 
four  ministers  only.  These  servants  of  Christ  were  active 

*Rev.  J.  Tripp's  com.  and  Min.  ofO.  A. 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION     1790—1801.  193 

and  untiring  in  their  efforts  to  extend  His  cause  through- 
out the  country.  God  owned  their  labors  and  gave  them 
abundant  success.  They  saw  new  churches  rising  in  dif- 
ferent directions  about  them,  and  ministers  multiplying  to 
aid  the  work.  These  accessions  to  Zion  encouraged  their 
zeal  and  gave  new  vigor  to  their  faith. 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Association  was  held  at  Balls- 
town,  in  1791.  The  brethren  were  rejoiced  by  an  acces- 
sion of  four  new  churches,  which  increased  the  number  of 
communicants  by  seventy-seven.  These  were  regarded  as 
seals  to  their  labors,  by  which  they  were  induced  to 
increase  their  voluntary  missionary  supplies  to  the  destitute, 
and  to  extend  their  travels  into  more  distant  settlements. 
To  encourage  these  churches,  a  circular  was  now  addressed 
to  them  on  the  doctrine  of  '  Perseverance,'  an  extract  of 
which  exhibits  the  views  of  the  Baptists  at  this  time  on 
that  precious  doctrine.  Says  the  letter,  '  The  soul  at 
regeneration  has  all  the  graces  of  the  spirit  implanted  in 
the  heart,  which  are  acted  out  towards  their  proper  object, 
Jesus  Christ ;  in  mental  and  practical  duties.  The  Chris- 
tian is  made  an  active  being  in  God's  service.  He  must 
therefore  strive,  wrestle  and  run  in  the  ways  of  God.' 
Here  is  practical  piety  bearing  evidence  of  experimental ; 
and  here  is  living  faith,  attended  by  its  appropriate  evidence, 
good  works.* 

In  1792,  the  Association  was  made  joyful  by  the  reports 
of  several  refreshing  seasons  which  had  been  experienced 
by  the  churches,  which  had  increased  their  numbers,  and 
enlarged  their  influence,  by  the  addition  of  four  new 
churches,  and  two  ministers  of  Christ,  and  five  licensed 
preachers.  This  was  truly  encouraging  to  the  few  pastors 
who  looked  with  such  anxious  solicitude  over  the  enlarg- 
ing field.  The  Association  embraced  already  all  the 

*Min.  B.  A.  1791. 


194  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790-1804. 

southern  and  middle  parts  of  the  State.  These  churches 
occupied  central  positions  in  the  different  sections  of  this 
territory.  As  many  of  these  churches  had  no  pastors,  and 
possessed  but  few  means  for  an  increase  of  spiritual  or 
religious  knowledge,  a  letter  was  addressed  to  them  by 
the  Association  on  the  importance  of  a  '  right  reading  of 
the  Bible.'  This  letter  was  therefore  timely,  and  its  con- 
tents show  its  appropriateness.  A  larger  amount  of  volun- 
tary missionary  labor  was  now  pledged  than  had  been  at 
any  former  meeting. 

Four  new  churches  were  received  to  Association  in 
1793.  Nothing  especially  new  was  transacted  at  its  annual 
meeting  for  this  year.  The  apparent  desire  seemed  to  be 
prevalent  in  the  meeting  to  maintain  a  pious  vigilance  in 
the  cause. 

At  their  annual  meeting  in  1794,  they  had  new  evidence 
of  the  triumph  of  truth.  Two  new  churches  were  reported 
and  received,  and  five  had  entered  the  ministry  by  ordina- 
tion. In  the  course  of  business  on  this  occasion,  the  im- 
portant question,  '  Is  the  ordination  of  deacons  agreeable 
to  apostolic  order  ?'  came  up  for  the  consideration  and  de- 
cision of  the  Association,  which  was  unanimously  answered 
in  the  affirmative.* 

Of  their  annual  meeting  in  1795.  there  were  no  minutes 

*  O  * 

published.  The  circular  for  that  year,  preserved  in  their 
book  of  Records,  is  an  interesting  exhibition  of  'pious  zeal,' 
written  by  Rev.  Elisha  Williams. 

In  1796  the  Association,  though  not  cheered  with  re- 
ports of  special  revivals  in  the  churches,  was  in  a  state  of 
general  prosperity.  God  had  blessed  them  with  union,  a 
gradual  increase,  and  a  more  extended  influence.  And 
although  there  was  much  opposition  to  their  cause  in  many 
places,  truth  triumphed,  and  the  number  of  ministers  was 

*Min.  13.  A.  1794. 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790—1804.  195 

increased,  by  Nehemiah  Gould,  Joseph  Bailey,  James 
Hooper,  and  Mephibosheth  Cain,  who  had  during  the  year 
entered  the  holy  work  by  ordination  ;  and  the  addition  of 
the  church  in  Clinton  encouraged  success  in  the  more 
northern  settlements. 

In  1797,  the  Association  was  enlarged  by  the  addition 
of  the  churches  in  North  Yarmouth  and  Harlem,  (now  first 
China) ;  and  the  introduction  of  Elders  Thomas  Green 
and  Job  Chadwick  to  this  new  field  of  gospel  labor,  was  a 
valuable  accession  to  the  ministry.  The  Baptist  cause  still 
advanced  amidst  opposition.  Says  the  circular  for  this 
year,  '  As  the  days  in  which  we  live  are  days  of  trial,  and 
as  error,  both  in  principle  and  practice,  is  cast  out  as  a 
flood  after  the  church  of  Christ ;  crying,  Lo,  here  !  Lo, 
there !  may  you  lift  up  a  standard  for  the  people.'  This 
was  indeed  a  time  of  struggling  between  truth  and  error  ; 
between  the  followers  of  Baal  and  the  friends  of  God;  as 
the  history  of  one  of  the  churches  (North  Yarmouth)  re- 
ceived this  year,  evinces. 

Extensive  revivals  advanced  the  cause  gloriously  in  many 
churches  in  1798.  More  than  one  hundred  converts  were 
reported  from  the  town  of  Bowdoin,  as  the  fruits  of  Elder 
Potter's  ministry.  This  was  regarded  as  an  extraordinary 
work,  considering  the  scattered  population  in  a  new  coun- 
try. The  origin  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Litchfield,  which 
was  organized  this  year,  is  traced  to  the  influence  of  this 
revival.  The  cause  also  had  made  progress  among  the  new 
settlements  in  the  north  part  of  Kennebec  County.  The 
churches,  New  Vineyard  and  Farmington,  were  revived, 
and  the  ministerial  influence  received  new  power  by  the 
introduction  of  Rev.  John  Tripp,  into  Maine.  This  year 
occurred  the  first  difficulty  among  the  Baptists,  requiring 
the  attention  and  aid  of  the  Association.  It  was  in  the 
church  at  Buckfield.  A  committee  of  six  was  appointed  to 


196  BOVVDOIIVHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790—1804. 

attempt  their  relief  by  their  prayers  and  counsels.  The 
day  was  designated,  and  by  a 'vote,  the  churches  were 
requested  '  to  observe  the  same  day  in  special  prayer  to 
God,  that  he  would  give  to  both  church  and  committee, 
wisdom  and  direction.'  This  was  an  example  worthy  of 
imitation.  For  the  first  time,  the  ordinances  of  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  supper,  were  administered  at  the  anniver- 
sary season  of  this  body.  The  practice,  however,  was  of 
but  short  continuation. 

In  1799,  the  Lord  wrought  wonderful  things  for  the 
churches.  The  revivals  this  year  were  to  those  in  1798, 
as  the  copious  showers  that  succeed  the  few  drops  of  rain. 
They  were  more  general  and  extensive.  Their  anniver- 
sary was  made  unusually  interesting  by  the  ordination 
of  Elisha  Williams.  As  the  ministers  and  churches  mul- 
tiplied, a  missionary  zeal  increased.  The  circular  sent  to 
the  churches,  (written  by  Elder  Tripp),  breathed  a  mission- 
ary spirit,  and  was  an  appeal  to  them  for  a  greater  activity. 
This  appeal  found  a  response  in  the  pious  hearts  of  the 
brethren.  A  love  for  the  destitute  now  became  ardent, 
and  as  evidence  of  its  purity,  besides  sustaining  the  old 
system  of  missionary  effort  by  voluntary  supplies,  by  an 
extra  number  of  pledges,  a  plan  of  operation  was  origi- 
nated, called  '  The  Gospel  Mission.'  This  plan  was,  to 
raise  money  to  sustain  missionary  efforts  among  the  new 
settlements.  Elders  Green,  Williams  and  Woodard,  were 
appointed  a  committee  of  superintendence,  and  Eld.  Case, 
who  was  about  giving  himself  wholly  to  itinerant  labors, 
was  engaged  as  their  missionary.  Fifteen  dollars  were 
contributed  to  aid  the  enterprise  which  was  the  first  taken 
in  the  Association  for  such  purposes. 

In  1800,  the  most  sanguine  expectation  of  the  Associa- 
tion as  regarded  the  operation  of  the  '  Gospel  Mission'  in 
this  incipient  period  of  action,  was  more  than  realized.  The 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790—1804.  197 

report  of  their  missionary,  Eld.  Case,  was  full  of  interest. 
He  reported  that  he  had  visited  the  new  settlements,  plan- 
tations and  destitute  churches  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
State,  gave  a  pleasing  account  of  the  advancement  of  the 
Redeemer's  cause  in  many  places,  and  that  a  door  was 
opened  for  extended  exertions  in  that  region.  In  view  of 
this  report,  the  efforts  of  the  Association  were  enlarged, 
and  future  success  shows  that  these  efforts  were  not  in 
vain.  At  this  anniversary,  this  body  was  enlarged  by  the 
reception  of  the  churches  Brunswick,  Leeds,  Woolwich, 
Medumcook  and  Warren. 

The  anniversary  of  the  Association  in  1801,  was  render- 
ed delightful  by  the  presence  and  preaching  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Baldwin  of  Boston,  and  by  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Benj. 
Titcomb.  The  territory  now  occupied  by  this  body,  being 
extensive,  the  inconveniences  to  many  of  the  churches, 
occasioned  by  distance,  prompted  them  to  petition  the 
Association,  for  a  division  of  the  churches  to  form  a  second 
body.  But  after  some  mutual  deliberation,  the  subject 
was  postponed.  The  churches  regarded  the  Association 
as  a  council  to  whom  they  referred  important  questions  for 
a  decision — and  the  Association  frankly  and  affectionately 
gratified  them,  by  consider  ing  such  questions  as  they  might 
propose.  At  this  meeting  the  interesting  and  somewhat 
difficult  question,  '  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  chris- 
tians  to  bear  arms?'  was  presented.  The  following  impor- 
tant decision  was  given  :  '  Although  vye  do  not  conceive 
that  our  holy  religion  requires  us  to  draw  the  sword,  or  to 
bear  arms  in  its  defence  ;  yet,  as  we  are  members  of  civil 
community,  and  are  protected  by  the  laws  of  the  land  in 
which  we  live,  we,  think  it  not  incompatible  with  the  spirit 
of  Christianity  which  enjoins  our  obedience  to  civil  magis- 
trates to  bear  arms  in  defence  of  the  government  which 
protects  us.  The  '  Gospel  Mission'  was  still  an  object  of 


198  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1790—1804. 

special  interest,  and  sustained  with  zeal.  Elders  Nathaniel 
Chase,  Oliver  Billings  and  Robert  Low,  had  entered  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  and  the  church  in  the  city  of  Portland 
was  received  into  the  Association. 

In  1802,  the  Association  was  still  encouraged  with  gen- 
eral prosperity.  Their  number  of  laborers  were  increased 
by  Elders  Sylvanus  Boardman,  Ichabod  Temple,  and  Ja- 
bez  Lewis,  who  had  during  this  Associational  year  entered 
the  ministry ; — and  the  churches,  Freetown,  (now  first 
China,)  second  Buckfield,  and  Mt.  Ephraim,  (now  Swan- 
ville,)  were  added  to  their  numbers.  Besides  a  general 
progress,  several  of  the  churches  had  experienced  exten- 
sive revivals,  and  received  large  additions.  Hitherto  there 
had  been  important  deficiencies  and  a  want  of  uniformity 
in  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant,  adopted  by  the  dif- 
ferent churches.  The  Articles  of  Faith  at  first  adopted 
by  the  Association,  as  expressive  of  the  doctrines  and  prac- 
tices of  the  denomination  in  the  State,  were  this  year  re- 
vised, giving  to  them  a  greater  particularity  and  fulness  of 
expression,  and  were  printed  in  their  Minutes,  and  sent  to 
the  churches  with  a  recommendation  for  their  adoption. 
The  alterations  made  in  these  Articles,  were  not  designed 
to  change  the  sentiments,  but  by  a  modification  of  lan- 
guage, to  give  to  them  a  greater  perspicuity  and  prominent- 
ness.  These  Articles  were  generally  received  and  adopted 
by  the  churches. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1803,  the 
important  question  of  division  again  came  up  for  consider- 
ation, the  expediency  of  which  was  now  referred  to  the 
churches  for  their  individual  decision,  which  was  required 
to  be  reported  at  the  next  anniversary.  This  was  deemed  by 
the  Baptists  the  most  rational  and  democratic  way  of  settling 
all  matters,  which  involved  the  interest  and  convenience 
of  these  several  independent  bodies.  Their  united  'will' 
was  the  governing  principle  of  the  Association. 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,   1790—1804.  199 

The  flame  of  missionary  love  and  zeal  continued  to 
burn.  Some  idea  of  the  feelings  which  were  cherished  in 
respect  to  the  work  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the  destitute 
may  be  seen  from  a  short  extract  of  the  circular  letter,  sent 
this  year  to  the  churches.  This  letter  was  written  by  Eld. 
Chadwick.  The  writer  says,  '  the  glorious  spread  of  the 
gospel  in  this,  our  day,  should  inspire  us  with  fervency 
and  gratitude;  look  round!  The  fields  are  all  white, 
oppression  is  withering,  God  is  on  his  way ;  He  reigns 
triumphant;  let  the  earth  rejoice.'  Forty-eight  dollars 
were  contributed  at  this  meeting  to  aid  the  'Gospel  Mission,' 
which  was  not  an  insignificant  sum  for  those  times. 

We  are  now  brought  (1804)  to  an  important  period  in 
the  history  of  the  Baptists,  and  particularly  of  the  Bowdoin- 
ham  Association.  This  body  had  become  numerous,  and 
was  scattered  over  a  wide  extent  of  territory ;  and  besides 
the  churches  then  in  it  were  multiplying  in  the  very  remote 
settlements.  On  account  of  distance  and  bad  roads,  these 
could  not  unite  with  their  brethren  who  resided  in  more 
central  parts.  They  were  therefore  deprived  of  Associa- 
tional  privileges.  The  subject  of  division  having  been 
referred  to  the  churches  for  their  decision,  they,  from  a 
consideration  of  these  circumstances,  decided  that  it  was 
'  expedient'  to  divide.  It  was  therefore  divided,  by  setting 
off  the  churches  east  of  the  Kennebec  river,  sixteen  in 
number,  to  be  organized  by  the  name  of  Lincoln  Associa- 
tion, as  most  of  these  churches  were  within  the  limits  of 
the  county  of  that  name. 

Much  had  been  accomplished  by  the  'Gospel  Mission,' 
for  the  destitute  while  these  churches  remained  in  one 
body,  although  no  distinct  organization  for  that  purpose 
had  existed.  It  was  therefore  important  that  before  these 
churches  and  ministers  separated,  some  system  of  general 
co-operation  should  be  originated.  This  was  done  by 


200  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  SIDNEY. 

organizing  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  the  design  of 
which  was  to  aid  the  destitute  in  this  new  and  rising 
State  ; — and  with  $130,  raised  at  this  meeting,  this  society 
entered  upon  the  work  with  a  spirited  zeal,  and  under 
most  auspicious  circumstances.  This  Association  was  en- 
larged at  this  meeting  by  the  addition  of  five  ordained 
ministers ;  Jesse  Martin,  Peter  Moor,  Joseph  Adams,  John 
Haines,  and  Thomas  Macomber ;  and  of  six  churches, 
Canaan,  Sumner,  Islesboro',  Vinalhaven,  Bethel,  and  Jef- 
ferson and  Lancaster.  So  that  at  the  division  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, it  numbered  forty-eight  churches,  thirty-two 
ministers,  and  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty-one 
communicants. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Churches  which  united  with  the  Bowdoinham  Association  during  the  seven 
years,  between  the  formation  of  the  Lincoln  Association  in  1804,  and  the 
formation  of  the  Cumberland  Association  in  1811  :  Second  Sidney — Se- 
cond Bowdoin — Belgrade — Norway — Hallowell — Minot  (now  Auburn)— 
Freeport — Second  Lisbon  (now  first  in  Webster) — Perjepscoll  (now 
Danville,)  —  Cornville — Harmony — Denmark  —  Weld  — Sangerville  — 
Bridgton — Hartford — Monmouth — Palmyra — New  Portland. 

SECOND  SIDNEY. — This  church  is  situated  in  the  east 
part  of  Sidney,  and  was  gathered  in  1806.  There  was  a 
revival  in  town  in  1805,*  by  means  of  the  ministry  of  Eld. 
Wilbur,  and  the  efforts  of  the  First  church,  which  extended 
into  the  east  part  of  the  town,  and  several  became  pious, 
and,  living  at  some  distance  from  that  church,  their  desire 
to  be  constituted  into  a  distinct  church  was  granted.  This 
church  had  no  stated  preaching  till  1809,  when  the  Lord 
of  the  harvest  provided  for  them  a  pastor,  by  placing  over 
them  in  charge  Rev.  Joseph  Palmer.  But  the  church  was 
small  and  feeble,  and  Mr.  Palmer  removed  to  another  field 
in  1812.  The  church  were  not  blessed  with  the  labors  of 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour. 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  SIDNEY.  gQl 

another  pastor  till  November,  1826,  when  they  were  favor- 
ed with  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Ezra  Going.  In  1824  there 
was  an  extensive  revival  in  this  church.  The  principal 
means  employed  to  promote  this  work  of  grace  was  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  E.  Going,  then  a  licentiate.  Sixty-five 
were  added  by  baptism,  which  gave  the  church  an  ability 
to  support  a  pastor.  Mr.  Going  was  ordained  in  1826,  and 
remained  about  two  years.  In  1831,  Lemuel  Porter,  a 
student  in  Waterville  College,  was  ordained  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry  in  this  church.  He  preached  here  fre- 
quently for  two  or  three  years.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev. 
Amos  Lefavor,  settled  in  1835.  He  however  left  in  about 
one  year.  In  1836,  Sumner  Hale,  a  licentiate,  and  student 
of  Waterville  College,  supplied  them  frequently ;  and  in 
1838  and  '39,  Rev.  J.  C.  Morrill  supplied.  In  1839, 
Rev.  Sumner  Hale  became  pastor,  but  was  succeeded  in 
1842  by  their  present  pastor,  Rev.  William  Tilley.  From 
the  resignation  of  Rev.  E.  Going  to  1839,  the  church  ex- 
perienced a  rapid  decrease  of  members.  But  since  that 
time  there  has  been  a  coming  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  ; 
a  more  general  devotion  of  the  church  to  his  cause,  and 
days  of  prosperity  are  gradually  returning.  This  church 
has  a  convenient  meeting-house,  and  present  number  of 
seventy-seven  members.* 

BOWDOIN  SECOND  CHURCH.  As  the  Baptist  cause  ad- 
vanced in  Bowdoin,  several  persons  in  the  north  part  of 
the  town  embraced  their  doctrines ;  and  in  1805,  twenty- 
five  in  number,  were  organized  into  a  church.  They  had 
previously  belonged  to  the  first  church  in  town.  Conven- 
ience dictated  their  separation.  Before  they  united  with 
Bowdoinham  Association,  a  most  glorious  and  extensive 
revival  was  experienced  in  that  part  of  the  town  by  means 
of  the  pious  and  untiring  efforts  of  Rev.  H.  Kendall,  of 

*Min.  U.  and  Ken.  Asso. 


202  CHURCH  IN  BELGRADE. 

Litchfield.  Before  the  revival  influences  departed,  sixty- 
nine  were  added  to  the  church.  A  meeting-house  was  soon 
built  at  a  cost  of  $1800,  and  Rev.  Ichabod  Temple  was 
settled  (1807)  pastor.  Mr.  Temple  also  was  useful  in  pro- 
moting the  revival.  He  was  a  faithful  pastor.  He  removed 
to  the  State  of  Ohio  in  1820. 

Rev.  Noah  Norton,  their  next  pastor,  was  ordained  in 
1822.  His  ministry  was  much  blessed  to  the  edification 
and  growth  of  the  church  till  1836,  when  he  removed  to 
Brunswick. 

Since  the  resignation  of  Elder  Norton,  the  church  has 
had  no  pastor,  but  has  been  favored  with  a  stated  ministry. 
The  same  year,  (1836,)  one  of  their  number,  James  Rid- 
ley, was  ordained  as  an  evangelist,  and  favored  the  church 
with  his  ministerial  gift,  till  he  removed  to  Monmouth. 
Deacon  Jacob  Golder  of  Lewiston,  united  with  this  church, 
began  to  preach  and  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist,  (1840,) 
and  the  church  has  been  blessed  with  a  portion  of  his 
labors.  Elders  D.  Pierce  and  J.  Day,  also  have  supplied 
them  frequently  when  destitute  of  a  pastor.  The  most 
extensive  revival  ever  experienced  by  this  church  was  in 
1824  and  '25,  while  Mr.  Norton  was  pastor.  This  work 
was  general,  powerful,  and  most  convincing.  Upwards  of 
one  hundred  souls  were  converted  to  God. 

This  church  has  at  different  times  been  much  reduced 
in  numbers  by  large  dismissions.  One  whole  church  was 
organized  of  members  dismissed  from  this,  who  emigrated 
to  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  deacon  Smith  was  ordained 
as  their  pastor.  This  church  has  passed  through  no  un- 
common trials,  but  has  much  occasion  for  gratitude  for  a 
general  prosperity.  Its  present  total  is  one  hundred  and 
twenty.* 

BELGRADE.     Elder  I.  Case  and  Rev.  Asa  Wilbur,  were 

*Moscs  Dennett,  Ch.  Ck.  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  BELGRADE.  203 

among  the  first  Baptists  to  preach  the  gospel  here.  Elder 
Case  preached  frequently,  and  as  many  of  the  settlers  as 
became  Baptists  united  with  the  church  in  Readfield,  till 
it  was  deemed  expedient  to  gather  a  church  here.  This 
was  done  Aug.  29th,  1806.  It  was  composed  of  twelve 
members.  From  the  first  movements  of  the  Baptists  in 
this  town,  till  1810,  there  was  no  regular  preacher  statedly 
employed.  Elders  Case,  Wilbur,  Gould,  Palmer,  Moses 
Low,  Kendall,  and  Bisbee,  preached  frequently ;  the 
latter  of  whom  was  ordained  in  1808.  Elias  Taylor, 
another  member,  was  approbated  to  preach  in  1808,  and 
ordained  its  pastor  Sept.  1810. 

The  first  twenty  years  of  this  church's  existence,  was  a 
period  of  prosperity,  and  previous  to  1830,  it  passed 
through  no  very  severe  trials ; — the  church  was  united, 
and  Elder  T.  was  useful.  About  this  time  a  day  of  dark- 
ness commenced.  The  church  became  divided,  and  now 
instead  of  union,  discord  reigned ;  discipline,  meetings 
and  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  were  neglected,  and  the 
church  was  disrobed  of  its  beauty  and  shorn  of  its  strength. 
Mr.  Taylor,  the  pastor,  became  discouraged,  resigned  his 
office,  and  withdrew  his  ministry  (1833,)  and  a  total  over- 
throw seemed  to  be  threatened.  From  the  time  of  Elder 
T.'s  resignation,  till  1839,  the  church  was  supplied  by 
various  ministers,  but  the  state  of  its  affairs  were  such  as 
to  paralyze  every  effort.  At  length,  some  began  to  reflect 
more  seriously  upon  the  condition  of  the  church.  They 
saw  the  church,  like  Israel  in  Babylon,  in  bondage  to  its 
enemies,  and  without  strength  to  work  its  own  deliverance. 
In  this  emergency,  application  was  made  to  the  Kennebec 
Association  for  assistance.  Assistance  was  afforded,  by  a 
committee  from  that  body,  who  met  with  the  church  Dec. 
18,  1839,  and  after  much  prayerful  investigation,  they 
advised  a  re-organization.  The  advice  was  received  and 


204  CHURCH  IN  NORWAY. 

ten  members  renewed  fellowship  and  covenant,  and  adopted 
the  temperance  pledge,  as  an  article  of  their  government. 
Time  has  evinced  that  this  was  a  wise  and  prudent  proce- 
dure. From  this  time  to  the  present,  union  has  character- 
ized their  movements,  prosperity  has  attended  their  efforts, 
and  the  ordinances  of  the  sanctuary  have  been  carefully 
and  punctually  observed. 

Rev.  Wm.  Smith,  a  licentiate  from  the  church  in  In- 
dustry, was  received  to  membership,  and  ordained  as  an 
evangelist,  June  26,  1836.  He  preached  one  year.  In 
1838  Rev.  D.  McMaster  began  to  preach  to  the  church, 
and  was  in  1839,  elected  pastor.  He  resigned  in  1842, 
and  was  soon  succeeded  by  Rev.  L.  Packard,  their  present 
pastor.  The  church  is  now  in  a  state  of  prosperity.  Its 
number  is  increased  to  seventy-seven  members.  Elders 
Taylor  and  McMaster  are  still  among  its  worthy  members.* 
Besides  those,  vrhose  names  have  been  already  mentioned, 
deacon  A.  W.  Cummings  and  Benjamin  Jackson  have 
received  license  from  this  church  to  preach  the  gospel. 

NORWAY.  The  Congregation alists  gathered  a  small 
church  by  their  missionaries  in  1802.  But  for  many  years 
it  was  few  in  number  and  limited  in  its  influence.  Baptist 
preachers  visited  the  place  with  but  small  encouragement, 
for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  A  small  church  of  ten 
members  however  was  constituted  here  in  1806.  This 
church  was  the  offspring  of  the  church  in  Paris.  The  late 
Wm.  Parsons  was  their  first  deacon,  and  Martin  Stetson 
is  his  successor. 

The  principles  of  a  large  portion  of  the  people  in  town 
ever  have  been  quite  skeptical ;  consequently  evangelical 
truth  and  effort  have  always  met  with  serious  obstacles, 
and  the  Baptists  in  common  with  other  orthodox  commu- 
nities, have  made  but  slow  progress.  Universalism  has  a 
strong  hold  here. 

*A.  W.  Oummings  Com.  and  Min.  K.  A 


CHURCH   IN   HALLOWELL.  395 

This  church  has  had  three  pastors — John  Wagg  was  or- 
dained Oct.  1806,  and  officiated  until  1809,  with  small 
success.  Rev.  John  Haines  was  elected  pastor  in  1827, 
and  resigned  in  1836  ;  and  Rev.  R.  Milner,  their  present 
pastor,  was  received  the  same  year.  During  the  interval 
between  the  dismission  of  Mr.  W.  and  the  election  of  Eld. 
H.,  the  church  was  partially  supplied  by  neighboring  min- 
isters, but  obtained  comparatively  no  increase,  nor  acquired 
much  influence.  Under  the  ministry  of  their  two  last  pas- 
tors, they  have  made  some  progress,  received  some  strength, 
and  exert  some  beneficial  influence.  Previous  to  1829,  they 
had  no  regular  place  of  worship.  They  now  began  to  feel 
that  it  was  time  to  open  a  public  sanctuary.  Towards  the 
accomplishing  of  this,  Mr.  John  Rust,  a  worthy  member 
of  the  church,  made  the  first  sacrifice,  by  the  gift  of  a  lot 
of  land  for  a  meeting  house.  The  church,  encouraged  by 
this  act  of  pious  interest,  purchased  the  meeting  house 
owned  by  the  Universal  ists,  and  moved  it  on  to  the  spot 
given  by  Mr.  R.,  and  it  now  remains  their  place  of  worship. 
The  church  is  now  moving  forward  with  a  total  of  fifty 
members.* 

HALLOWELL.  The  ancient  Hallowell,  incorporated  in 
1771,  included  the  settlements  and  territory  where  now  is 
seen  the  beautiful  and  imposing  villages  Hallowell  and 
Augusta.  That  part  now  called  Augusta  was  incorporated 
into  a  separate  town  by  the  name  of  Harrington  in  Feb. 
1797,  but  the  next  June  it  received  its  present  name. 

Previous  to  1786,  there  was  a  Congregational  church 
gathered  in  these  settlements.  But  this  church  underwent 
several  changes,  divisions  and  modifications,  prior  to  the 
settlement  of  Rev.  Mr.  Gillet,  the  present  senior  pastor  in 
Hallowell.t  Soon,  however,  under  his  ministry  things  be- 
gan to  assume  more  permanency,  and  the  denomination 

*Rufus  Bartlett's  Com.  (M.  B.  and  O.  A.)    fGreen.  Ecc.  his.  p.  197. 
10 


206  CHURCH  IN  HALLOWELL, 

rose  in  power  and  influence.  Prejudices  now  became  very 
strong,  even  to  a  passion  for  '  Congregationalism,'  and 
'  Pedo-baptism.'  Baptist  preachers,  Elders  Case,  Potter 
and  others  lectured  here  occasionally  for  several  years  be- 
fore any  direct  movements  were  made  to  establish  a  Bap- 
tist interest  in  the  town.  The  first  regular  efforts  made  by 
any  Baptist,  were  by  Rev.  Henry  Kendall,  of  Litchfield, 
who  by  request  preached  a  lecture  once  every  two  weeks 
from  January  1806,  to  the  following  March.  At  first 
there  was  no  Baptist,  or  place  of  worship  for  them  in  the 
town.  Deacon  Gow,  therefore,  invited  him  to  preach  in 
the  school-house.  But  he  was  not  permitted  to  occupy 
this  humble  position  but  for  a  few  times.  Its  doors  were 
closed  against  him.  Mr.  K.  was  not  discouraged,  nor  did 
his  faith  fail  because  of  these  evidences  of  a  prevalent 
spirit  of  opposition.  God  opened  the  way  before  him.  A 
room  in  a  private  house  was  provided  for  his  accommoda- 
tion, and  here  he  continued  his  semi-monthly  lectures.  As 
one  of  the  fruits  of  these  efforts,  a  Mrs.  Knight  was  con- 
verted, and  on  the  5th  of  April  was  baptized  after  the 
word  and  fashion  of  her  Lord  and  Saviour.  This  was  the 
first  person  ever  baptized  in  Hallowell.  A  revival  now 
commenced,  and  the  next  person  to  manifest  her  love  to 
Christ  was  a  Mrs.  Hinkley.  Converts  multiplied,  and  in 
a  short  time  their  private  room  became  too  strait  for  the 
number  of  praying  souls.  The  work  increased,  and  opposi- 
tion, strange  as  it  may  seem  to  the  present  generation,  even 
from  those  who  ought  to  have  been  friends,  became  more 
violent  find  obtrusive  towards  the  Baptists.  They  however 
persevered.  The  young  Christians  obtained  the  privilege 
of  holding  evening  prayer  meetings  in  an  old  house  on  the 
bank  of  the  river.  Here  they  were  much  annoyed.*  On 
one  occasion  '  opposition'  laid  violent  hands  on  the  old 

•Gathered  from  Rev.  H.  Kendall's  Journal. 


CHURCH  IN  HALLOWELL— M1NOT. 

shattered  and  half-fallen  edifice  in  which  they  were  assem- 
bled as  usual  for  prayer,  with  the  wicked  design  of  giving 
it  a  'turn  over'  down  the  bank.  But  the  building  stood, 
and  within  its  broken  walls  the  Baptists  sung  songs  of 
victory.  A  Baptist  church  was  organized  in  1807,  into 
which  these  disciples  were  gathered.  This  church  in  Sep- 
tember of  that  year,  numbered  twenty-nine.  James  Hink- 
ley  was  interested  from  the  beginning  of  the  revival  in 
1806,  and  now  became  the  deacon  of  the  church,  and 
sustained  the  office  with  integrity  and  usefulness  to  the 
church. 

This  church  has  had  six  pastors  who  have  officiated  with 
acceptance  and  success,  viz:  Elders  John  Robinson  from 
1811  to  1817  ;  Winthrop  Morse  from  1818  to  1819  ;  Dan- 
iel Chessman  from  1821  to  1830  ;  Henry  Fitz  from  1830 
to  1832  ;  A.  Drinkwater  from  1834  to  1836  ;  S.  Adlam, 
their  present  pastor,  from  1838.  By  the  ministrations  of 
these  several  servants  of  God,  the  church  has  gradually 
grown  until  it  has  become  an  efficient  body,  provided  with 
a  respectable  house  of  worship,  and  other  outward  privileges 
for  comfort,  convenience  and  usefulness.  Besides  a  gen- 
eral prosperity  which  the  church  has  experienced  amid  all 
her  trials  from  external  and  internal  causes,  which  are  not 
a  few,  the  church  has  been  blessed  with  many  refreshing 
revival  seasons,  two  of  which  were  conspicuously  glorious 
and  cheering.  The  first  of  them  was  in  1824  and  '25, 
under  the  ministry  of  their  third  pastof  ;  the  second  was 
in  1840,  as  a  blessing  on  the  labors  of  their  present  incum- 
bent. This  church  is  eminent  for  a  spirit  of  enterprise 
and  benevolence,  and  especially  for  an  ardor  of  feeling 
against  American  slavery.  The  present  number  of  mem- 
bers is  one  hundred  and  eighty.* 

MINOT.     The  early  plantations  of  Minot  and  Poland 

*Min.  B.  A. 


208  CHURCH  IN   FREEPORT. 

were  known  by  the  name  of  'Bakerstown.'  And  in  that 
part  since  called  '  Minot,'  and  now  'Auburn,'  a  Congre- 
gational church  was  organized  as  early  as  1792.  About 
this  time  Baptist  preachers  began  to  make  some  efforts  to 
promote  the  religious  welfare  of  the  people  in  this  town. 
And  by  means  of  their  occasional  visits  and  labors,  a 
church  of  the  Baptist  faith  was  gathered  here  in  1807.  It 
numbered  in  September  of  that  year,  when  it  united  with 
the  Bowdoinham  Association,  twenty-seven  members.  It 
was  soon  enlarged  by  additions,  arid  in  1810  was  blessed 
with  the  settlement  of  Rev.  George  Ricker,  from  Buck- 
field,  as  pastor.*  Elder  Ricker  served  the  church,  active- 
ly sustaining  the  office  of  pastor  till  1839,  when  on  account 
of  infirmity  and  age,  cheerfully  received  Rev.  Noah  Hooper 
as  minister  and  associate  pastor.  This  aged  servant  still 
feels  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church  over  whose  spiritual 
interests  he  has  so  long  watched  with  prayerful  solicitude, 
with  whom  he  has  wept  in  times  of  adversity,  and  with 
whom  he  has  rejoiced,  when  blessed  with  prosperity.  The 
ministry  of  Elder  Hooper  continued  about  two  years.  In 
1841,  Rev.  D.  Hutchinson,  of  Hartford,  supplied  them 
two-thirds  of  the  time.  Since  that  time  they  have  had 
but  little  preaching,  except  what  they  have  received  from 
their  aged  and  venerable  pastor. 

This  church  has  enjoyed  a  gradual  increase  and  general 
prosperity.  It  has  always  maintained  a  character  and 
influence  favorable  to  the  Baptist  cause  in  its  vicinity.  It 
now  has  a  total  of  eighty-seven  members.! 

FREEPORT.  Freeport  is  fifteen  miles  northeast  of  Port- 
land. It  was  anciently  a  part  of  North  Yarmouth.  In 
1789,  it  was  incorporated  by  its  present  name,  and  the 
same  year  a  Congregational  church  of  ten  members  was 
organized.f  At  this  time  Baptists  were  hardly  known  to 

*Min.  B.  and  C.  A.     fMin.  C.  A.     {Green.  Eccl.  his.  p,  70. 


CHURCH  IN  FREEPORT.  209 

the  people  in  Yarmouth  and  Freeport.  From  the  vague 
idea  of  them,  some  supposed  they  must  be  quite  another 
race  of  beings,  and  could  be  described  by  no  more  appro- 
priate name  than  '  awful  creatures.'  Soon,  however,  the 
'  strange-fire,'  as  it  was  called,  found  its  way  into  Yarmouth, 
and  thence  to  Freeport.  Baptist  preachers  travelled  and 
preached,  regarding  neither  the  lines  of  towns  or  parishes, 
but  claimed  for  their  field  '  the  entire  world.'  In  perform- 
ing their  itinerant  labors  they  did  not  go  round  Freeport, 
but  into  it.  They  preached,  and  some  few  renounced  Pedo- 
baptism,  and  united  with  the  church  at  North  Yarmouth. 
The  way  was  opened  for  more  stated  labors  in  Freeport, 
and  Elders  Titcomb,  Green  and  Lewis  favored  them  with 
more  frequent  and  regular  preaching.*  In  1807,  Rev. 
Thomas  Paul  preached  a  discourse  in  Freeport,  which 
gained  much  influence  for  the  Baptists — and  some  revival 
followed,  which  prepared  additional  materials  for  a  church. 

Those  who  had  united  with  the  church  in  North  Yar- 
mouth took  their  dismission,  and  uniting  with  others  were 
constituted  into  a  church  in  Freeport,  Nov.  3,  1807.  The 
next  year  Rev.  Silas  Stearns,  who  was  ordained  at  North 
Yarmouth,  Oct.  23,  1807,  and  had  done  much  towards 
the  gathering  of  this  church,  was  received  as  its  minister, 
(but  not  as  a  regular  pastor.)  He  preached  with  good  suc- 
cess about  two  years,  when  he  removed  to  Bath,  leaving  the 
church  in  a  prosperous  state  with  fifty-three  members.  The 
next  two  years  the  church  was  aided  and  blessed  by  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pinkham,  another  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  licensed  by  the  church. 

In  1808,  their  house  of  worship  was  built,  and  their  first 
pastor,  Rev.  Daniel  Mason  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office  Nov.  1813.  He  resigned  his  charge  Oct.  1816. 
Since  which  the  church  has  had  five  pastors — Eld.  Robert 

*3ion's  Advocate,  1828. 


210        SECOND  CHURCH  IN  LISBON— PERJEPSCOT, 

Mitchell  ordained  Nov.  10,  1817;  Rev.  Ferdinand  Ellis; 
Rev.  Isaac  S.  Smith ;  Rev.  Jedediah  Sargent,  and  Rev. 
Edgar  H.  Gray.  Rev.  Horace  Seaver  was  ordained  as  an 
evangelist  June  15,  1831,  and  supplied  them  a  short  time. 
In  1839,  Rev.  John  Butler  preached  with  them  for  a  short 
period  with  good  success.*  Its  present  number  is  two 
hundred  and  seven  members.! 

LISBON  SECOND,  (now  first  church  in  WEBSTER.)  A 
second  Baptist  church  was  gathered  in  Lisbon  in  1808, 
composed  of  thirteen  members.  It  had  the  advantages  of 
but  occasional  preaching  till  1817,  when  Rev.  Wm.  Frost 
became  its  pastor  ;  prosperity  did  not  attend  his  efforts 
with  the  church,  and  in  1820  he  resigned  his  charge. $  The 
church,  however,  survived  all  its  discouragements,  and 
maintained  visibility.  Joshua  Haley,  John  Ross  and  Thos. 
Alexander,  were  among  its  first  promoters.  In  1823,  Rev. 
Noah  Hooper  became  pastor. 

In  1826,  the  Lord  did  wonders  in  this  place.  The 
church  was  raised  like  one  out  of  the  dust.  She  had  long 
laid  in  obscurity,  but  now  was  like  a  '  city  on  a  hill.'  Mr. 
H.  continued  with  this  church  about  three  years,  and  was 
succeeded  in  1827  by  Rev.  Jos.  Roberts,  who  preached 
about  two  years,  and  in  1829,  Rev.  Jotham  Day  became 
its  third  pastor.  He  was  pastor  about  four  years.  It  has 
since  been  without  a  pastor,  and  in  a  feeble  state.  Number 
fifty-two.  Dea.  John  Ross  still  lives  to  aid  its  operations.^ 

PERJEPSCOT,  (now  DANVILLE.)  Previous  to  1789,  El- 
ders Potter  and  Macomber  labored  here,  and  disciples 
were  gathered  from  Perjepscot  (or  Danville,)  into  the 
church  in  Lewiston,  an  adjoining  town  on  the  east  side  of 
Androscoggin  river,  Danville  being  on  the  west  side.  With 
that  church  they  enjoyed  gospel  privileges  till  1808,  when 
God  opened  the  way  for  the  enjoyment  of  similar  privileges 

"Rev.  E.  H.  Gray's  Com.    fMin.  C.  A.    JMin.B.  A.      $Min.  B.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  CORNVILLE.  21 1 

hi  their  own  town.  This  year  a  very  interesting  revival 
blessed  the  people  of  Danville,  by  means  of  the  ministry  of 
Joseph  Roberts,  then  a  licentiate.  This  revival  was  ex- 
tensive, and  many  souls  were  converted  to  God.  In  the 
midst  of  this  work  of  mercy  those  who  belonged  to  the 
church  in  Lewiston  took  their  dismission,  and  were  united 
with  others  in  a  church  in  Danville.  It  numbered  when 
it  united  with  the  Bowdoinham  Association,  Sept.  1808, 
fifty-six  members.*  In  1809,  its  number  was  increased  to 
sixty-seven.  Dec.  1808,  Rev.  Jos.  Roberts  was  ordained 
pastor.  These  were  interesting  and  truly  blessed  times 
for  the  people  in  Danville.  In  1810  eleven  more  were 
added  by  baptism  to  their  church.  This  church  took  the 
name  of  Danville  in  1819.  Mr.  Roberts  resigned  his 
charge  in  1823.  In  1824,  Elder  Roberts  returned,  and  in 
1825,  another  revival  brightened  the  prospect  of  the  church. 
Mr.  R.  again  retired  in  1827.  The  church  then  remained  for 
several  years  without  an  under-shepherd,  and  became  small 
and  feeble.  In  1838  Rev.  John  Butler  made  them  a  visit 
and  a  refreshing  season  was  enjoyed,  the  waste  places  were 
clothed  with  verdure.  The  broken  walls  were  repaired. 
In  1839,  Rev.  S.  Owen  preached  one  half  the  time,  and  in 
1840  they  erected  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God.  Elder 
Owen  was  pastor  in  1841.  In  1842  Moses  Hanscom  was 
ordained  to  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  and  in  1843  became 
pastor  of  the  church.  Numbers  seventy-two.t 

CORNVILLE.  Baptists  were  the  first  t6  make  any  special 
religious  movements  in  this  town.  In  1801,  Rev.  Joseph 
Palmer,  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Sharon,  Vt. 
was  a  resident  in  this  then  infant  settlement,  and  began  to 
preach  Christ  to  the  people.  A  revival  attended  his  efforts. 
Some  resident  Baptists  who  had  emigrated  from  different  and 
distant  churches,  were  quickened,  and  some  of  the  wicked 

*iMin.  B.  A.        Win.  C.  A. 


212  CHURCH  IN  HARMONY. 

were  converted  to  God.  In  May,  1801,  a  church  of  twen- 
ty members  was  organized  by  Elders  Palmer  and  Cain 
from  China.  Eld.  Palmer  became  a  member  and  was 
settled  its  first  pastor.  This  was  the  first  church  organized 
on  the  east  side  of  Kennebec  river,  in  Somerset  County. 
During  the  first  year  of  its  existence  twenty-seven  were 
added  by  baptism  and  by  letter.  In  1808  Elder  Palmer 
resigned  his  pastoral  charge.  In  February  of  the  same 
year  John  Robinson,  one  of  the  original  members  of  the 
church,  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist.  Rev.  I.  Case 
preached  the  ordination  sermon.*  In  1809  Eld.  P.  removed 
to  Sidney,  leaving  a  pledge  to  supply  them  one-fourth  oi 
the  time  on  the  days  of  their  regular  communion.  In  1810 
Mr.  R.  served  them  one-fourth  of  the  time. 

Rev.  Isaac  Bridges  was  ordained  pastor  1815,  but  was 
dismissed  in  1817.  From  the  close  of  Eld.  Palmer's  min- 
istry to  1827,  the  church  had  the  privilege  of  but  a  small 
amount  of  faithful  preaching,  consequently  its  numbers 
diminished.  About  the  close  of  1827,  Seneca  Stanley,  a 
licentiate  of  the  church  in  Belgrade,  began  to  preach  here. 
Sept.  1828,  Mr.  S.  became  a  member,  and  in  October  was 
ordained  an  evangelist,  but  with  a  view  of  supplying  this 
church  statedly.  In  1830  he  was  elected  pastor.  He  ac- 
cepted the  office  and  faithfully  and  successfully  filled  it  till 
his  death  in  1838.  During  the  ministry  of  Mr.  S.  one 
hundred  and  twenty-one  were  added  to  the  church  by  bap- 
tism, and  his  name  is  still  dear  in  the  memory  of  this  peo- 
ple. March,  1839,  Rev.  Dudley  P.  Bailey  became  pastor 
of  this  church.  Its  present  number  is  one  hundred  and 
thirty-one.t  [Mr.  B.  resigned  and  removed  to  St.  Al- 
bans  in  1844.] 

HARMONY.  This  second  church  in  Somerset  County 
was  gathered  about  the  same  time  of  that  in  Cornville. 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour.    fMin.  K.  A.  (1840  )  his.  sk.  by  Rev.  D.  P.  Bailey. 


CHURCH  IN  DENMARK.  213 

Elder  Palmer  was  the  principal  human  agent  in  the  work. 
But  the  people  in  general  were  strongly  inclined  to  '  Free- 
willism,'  and  this  organization  soon   became  much  scat- 
tered.    In  1808  they  were  visited  by  Benjamin  Ames,  then 
a  licentiate,  and  his  labors  were  much  blessed  among  them ; 
and  in  December  of  that  year  by  Elder  Case,  then  engaged 
in  Missionary  labors.     He  says  :  '  I  found  the  church  in  a 
broken    and   unpleasant  state.'     '  A  day  of  Fasting  and 
Prayer  was  held,'  and  '  a  day  was  spent  in  consultation 
upon  what  was  best  to  be   done    for    the    good  of  the 
church.'*     The  rsult  of  these  movements  was  the  re-or- 
ganization of  the  church.     Elder  Case  gave  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship.     He  then  baptized  several  persons  and  left 
them.     September,  1809,  it  reported  to  the  Bowdoinham 
Association   a  total  of  twenty-eight  members.     1812  and 
'13,  the  church  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Eld.  Bisbee,  and 
received  nine  members  ;  and  again  from  1816  to  1820,  and 
thirty-two  were  add^d  ;  and  again  from  1822  to  1826,  when 
seventeen  were   added.     Since  Elder  Bisbee  closed  his 
ministry  with  this  church  they  have  had  preaching  but 
about  half  of  the  time.     This  labor  has  been  performed 
mostly  by  neighboring  ministers,  among  whom  we  find 
the   names  of  Elders  Stanley,   Jones,   Page,   Piper  and 
Hatch.     The  church  has  become  small  and  feeble,  and 
yet  is  encouraged  to  persevere,  with  a  total  of  twenty-one 
members.t 

DENMARK.  This  church  was  gathered  in  1804  as  the 
fruits  of  the  labors  of  Rev.  Tristram  Jordan,  who  became 
its  pastor.  It  was  the  first  Baptist  church  that  was  organ- 
ized in  the  south-west  part  of  Oxford  County.  Elder 
Jordan  labored  almost  in  vain  till  about  1820,  when  the 
members  were  so  much  diminished  that  he  resigned  his 
office.^  This  year  the  Cumberland  Association,  (with 

•Eld.  C.'s  Jour.    tMin.  ofB.K.P.  and  P.  A.          tMin.  C.  A.  1820. 
JO* 


214  CHURCH  IN  WELD. 

which  body  the  church  united  in  1811,)  appointed  a  select 
committee  to  examine  into  their  state.  The  committee 
reported  that  the  church  still  existed,  but  that  it  was  not  in 
a  prosperous  condition.  It  was  now  dismissed  to  unite 
with  York  Association,  but  it  did  not  become  a  member  of 
that  body  till  1829.  It  then  had  forty  members ;  and  with 
the  same  number  it  united  with  Oxford,  1831.  In  1832, 
this  afflicted  church  began  to  sing  for  joy.  One  of  their 
members,  Larkin  L.  Jordan  began  to  preach,  and  was  ap- 
probated by  a  license  to  go  before  them  in  the  gospel.  Mr. 
Jordan  was  ordained  pastor  in  1835,  and  in  1839,  the  time 
to  favor  Zion  came,  and  the  church  was  enlarged  by  a 
special  revival.  Elder  J.  continues  to  be  useful  with  the 
church,  and  an  annual  prosperity  encourages  their  faith. 
Their  present  number  is  sixty-one  * 

WELD.  This  town  was  first  called  No.  5.  Deacon  A. 
Holt  removed  here  with  his  family  in  1803,  and  made  the 
fifth  resident  in  the  place.  Very  few  of  the  first  settlers 
were  professors  of  religion,  and  emigration  being  rapid 
and  mostly  of  young  men,  '  wild  and  worldly,'  no  attention 
was  given  to  the  things  of  piety.  Rev.  L.  Jackson,  from 
Greene,  visited  Weld  in  1804,  and  opened  a  religious 
meeting.  In  1809,  this  wilderness  began  to  blossom,  and 
springs  broke  forth  in  the  parched  desert.  God  came  down 
and  souls  were  converted.  The  first  converts  were  bap- 
tized by  Elder  Thos.  Wyman.  To  the  influence  of  this 
revival  the  church  in  Weld,  constituted  July,  1809,  owes 
its  existence.  Asa  Holt  and  Amaziah  Reed  were  chosen 
deacons;  the  latter  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist  Sept. 
1811.  Elder  Jackson  resided  among  these  brethren  and 
was  their  pastor  till  1823,  and  then  removed  with  his  family 
to  the  State  of  Ohio.  Mr.  Reed  furnished  the  church 
occasional  supplies. 

*Min.  O.  A. 


FIKST  CHURCH  IN  SANGERVILLE.  215 

This  hill  of  Zion  was  watered  again  in  1826,  and  sixty- 
three  were  hopefully  converted.  They  were  baptized  by 
Elders  Low  and  Mayhew,  and  added  to  the  church.  Elder 
M.  preached  about  one  year,  and  from  that  time  to  1837, 
they  had  only  occasional  supplies.  This  year  Rev.  Luther 
Perkins  removed  from  Woodstock  to  Weld,  and  became 
pastor  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  church,  and  still  continues 
his  charge. 

This  church  has  had  two  distinguished  revivals.  But  it 
appears  from  some  cause  that  many  were  gathered  into 
the  church  at  these  seasons,  with  no  better  faith  than  had 
'  Simon  Magus.'  Within  five  years  after  the  first,  in  1809, 
eighteen  of  the  number  added  were  excluded  ;  and  within 
eight  years  from  the  second,  in  1826,  twenty-nine  of  the 
sixty-three  were  excluded  from  the  church.  How  cautious 
ought  churches  to  be  when  receiving  members  in  a  revival ! 
Their  present  number- is  fifty-two.* 

SANGERVILLE,  FIRST  CHURCH.  A  church  was  organ- 
ized in  this  town  in  the  beginning  of  1808,  and  was  the 
first  church  gathered  by  the  Baptists  or  by  any  sect  in  the 
Piscataquis  County.  It  was  then  called  '  Piscataquis'  or 
'  No.  4.'  By  means  of  Missionaries,  Eld.  N.  Gould  and 
others,  a  revival  was  experienced  in  the  place.  In  January 
of  this  year,  Elders  Thomas  M  acorn  her  and  Gould,  mis- 
sionaries for  the  Maine  Domestic  Missionary  Society,  after 
travelling  over  most  of  the  Penobscot  County,  in  bad  roads, 
and  much  of  the  time  on  foot,  arrived  at  this  place. 
Here  they  found  ten  persons,  (four  males  and  six  females,) 
waiting  for  the  Lord  to  send  some  one  to  baptize  them. 
They  were  examined  and  baptized  by  Eld.  Macomber. 
There  were  at  this  time  but  thirteen  families  in  town,  but  the 
comfort  and  safety  of  those  who  professed  Christ  rendered 
it  expedient  that  they  should  be  embodied  into  a  church. 

*D«acon  A.  Holt's  Com.  Min.  K.  C.  O.  Asso. 


21G  FIRST  CHURCH  IN   SANGERVILLE. 

This  was  done  by  these  missionaries.  A  church  with 
twelve  members  was  constituted,  and  increased  to  the 
number  of  sixteen  before  they  left.  Soon  after  Rev.  H. 
Kendall  visited  them  and  was  beneficial  to  the  people. 
About  this  time  Wm.  Oaks  was  reclaimed  from  a  wander- 
ing state  and  was  soon  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel. 
During  this  revival  in  S.,  several  in  Guilford  were  con- 
verted who  constituted  the  germs  of  the  Baptist  interest  in 
that  town.* 

In  1809,  this  church  reported  to  the  Bowdoinham  Asso- 
ciation twenty-three  members,  but  being  small,  and  with- 
out a  leader,  and  situated  at  so  great  a  distance  from  the 
places  where  the  Association  usually  met,  it  withdrew  its 
relation  to  that  body,  and  remained  isolated  and  alone  till 
it  lost  its  visibility.  In  1823,  it  was  reorganized  with  sev- 
eral members  from  Guilford,  and  Rev.  Daniel  Bartlett 
became  its  pastor.  It  united  again  with  the  Bowdoinham 
Association  with  thirty-four  members.  Rev.  Mr.  B.  offi- 
ciated usefully  till  1828,  when  he  resigned,  leaving  the 
church  with  its  numbers  increased  to  seventy-two,  by  a 
revival  in  1827.t  This  was  the  most  prosperous  period  in 
the  history  of  the  church.  The  year  1831,  was  a  fruitful 
one  to  the  church.  Its  numbers  were  increased  by  fifty- 
four  baptisms.  It  has  since  had  one  pastor,  Rev.  A. 
Clarke,  from  1836,  two  or  three  years. J  A  train  of  trials 
now  began,  which  for  some  years  disturbed  the  peace  and 
hindered  the  prosperity  of  the  church  ;  and  although  aided 
by  the  semi-monthly  labors  of  Rev.  E.  W.  Cressy,  in  1838 
and '39;  C.  P.  Sinclair,  licentiate,  1841;  yet  constant 
'  internal  commotion,'  and  a  separation  of  some  of  its  mem- 
bers to  form  a  new  church,  have  operated  to  reduce  the 
number  of  members  to  the  small  total  of  twenty-one.  These 
brethren  are  in  a  low,  discouraged  state.§ 

"Eld.  T.  Macomber's  Jour.     fMin.  B.  A.     JMin.  p.  A      ^Min>  p   A 


CHURCH  IN  BRIDGTON.  217 

BRIDGTON.  Bridgton  is  the  most  northwestern  town  in 
Cumberland  County,  and  was  first  settled  about  1770.  A 
Congregational  church  of  seventeen  members  was  gathered 
here  in  1784,  and  a  pastor  settled  in  1789.*  Baptist  sen- 
timents began  to  exert  an  influence  on  the  minds  of  some 
in  this  town,  about  the  commencement  of  the  present  cen- 
tury. But  no  particular  movement  was  made  here  by 
Baptist  preachers  previous  to  1806  or  1807.  Eld.  Jordan, 
of  Denmark,  was  influential  in  promoting  the  gathering  of  a 
church  in  1807,  and  in  the  increase  and  general  prosperity 
of  the  Baptist  interest  in  Bridgton  for  many  years.  The 
original  number  of  members  was  eight ;  and  when  Rev. 
Reuben  Ball,  their  first  pastor,  entered  upon  his  labors  in 
1812,  the  number  was  about  thirty.  This  year  N.  Bray, 
jr.  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  his  labors  united  with  those 
of  their  active  pastor,  secured  for  the  church  a  special 
blessing.  A  revival  increased  the  number  of  members  to 
about  fifty.  Eld.  B's  labors  were  acceptable  and  useful, 
till  they  were  closed  in  1826.  He  died  at  Greene. 

Rev.  John  Haines  succeeded  Eld.  Bray  in  the  pastoral 
office  in  1827,  and  with  him  commenced  a  rapid  succession 
of  pastors,  who  have  officiated  with  advantage  to  the  church. 
The  following  are  their  names  :  Elders  Wm.  Wyman  from 
1828,  three  years ;  Reuben  Milner,  1832,  one  year  ;  W. 
0.  Grant,  from  1834,  two  years  ;  L.  L.  Jordan,  1836,  one 
year  ;  Jacob  Bray,  ordained,  from  1837,  four  years;  since 
destitute  of  a  pastor.  When  destitute,  the  church  has 
received  a  profitable  supply  by  Elders  Harlow,  Beckworth, 
Leonard,  Johnson,  Howe,  L.  Tripp,  &/c.  There  was  some 
revival  in  1838.  Two  churches,  Harrison,  1827,  and 
Sweden,  1833,  originated  in  this  church  ;  and  four  of  its 
members  have  become  preachers  of  the  gospel,  Eld.  Bray, 
D.  E.  Burbank,  Rufus  Chase,  and  Edmund  Watson.  This 

*Green.  Eccl.  his.  p.  126. 


218  CHURCH  IN  HARTFORD. 

church  has  had  many  trials,  but  has  met  them  with  patient 
endurance.  Its  present  number  is  fifty-seven,  who  are  in 
somewhat  a  tried  state,  and  without  a  pastor.* 

HARTFORD.  Some  few  of  the  early  settlers  in  Hartford 
were  emigrants  from  distant  Baptist  churches.  But  the 
most  of  those  who  became  Baptists  in  town  previous  to  the 
existence  of  the  church,  were  converted  into  their  senti- 
ments by  means  of  the  influence  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Livermore.t  Several  were  dismissed  from  that  church  in 
1810,  who  were  the  same  year  united  in  church  relation. 
The  church  now  organized,  had  eighteen  members.  Rev. 
Reuben  Ball  labored  with  the  Baptists  here  something 
more  than  a  year  about  this  time,  and  was  instrumental  of 
preparing  the  way  for  the  future  progress  of  the  cause.  In 
1812,  we  find  them  destitute.  Rev.  Daniel  Hutchinson 
was  settled  pastor  of  this  church  in  1816.  At  first,  the 
church  obtained  great  prosperity  under  his  ministry,  be- 
came a  large  and  happy  body  of  disciples.  In  1818,  their 
number  was  ninety-six;  and  in  1821,  Rev.  D  Bartlett 
received  a  license  from  the  church  to  preach.  But  a 
severe  trial  soon  disturbed  their  harmony,  marred  their 
fellowship,  and  resulted  in  the  exclusion  of  about  twenty, 
among  whom  was  their  once  beloved  and  useful  pastor. 
Mr.  H.  became  a  '  Mixed  Communionist,'  and  led  away 
several  of  the  church  into  the  same  errors. 

In  1822,  several  members  were  dismissed  to  constitute 
a  church  in  Canton.  By  these  exclusions  and  dismissions 
the  church  was  reduced  in  1825,  to  fifty-six  members. 
From  this  time  to  1830,  the  church  was  assisted  by  a  por- 
tion of  the  labors  of  Walter  Marshall,  a  licentiate,  but  still 
sustained  a  loss  of  members.  In  the  winter  of  1830,  Rev. 
Walter  Foss,  of  Leeds,  preached  frequently  with  much 
success,  and  to  the  increase  of  the  church  ;  Mr.  F.  continued 

*R«v.  J.  Bray'i  Com.— Min.  O.  A.        tRev.  J.  Haines'  Com.} 


CHURCH  IN  MONMOUTH— PALMYRA.  219 

some  occasional  labors  here  for  two  or  three  years  after- 
wards, and  aided  by  the  occasional  ministry  of  neighboring 
preachers,  the  church  has  since  prospered. 

In  1837,  Rev.  D.  Hutchinson  having  renounced  his 
anti-gospel  notions  upon  '  communion,'  was  restored  to  the 
church,  and  was  received  as  pastor.  He  officiated  till  1842, 
when  the  church  was  again  left  without  a  pastor,  and  is 
still  destitute,  but  not  without  the  preached  word.  The 
present  number  of  the  church  is  sixty-eight.* 

MONMOUTH.  Baptists  began  to  appear  in  Monmouth  as 
early  as  1793.t  Eld.  Case,  while  pastor  of  the  church  in 
Readfield,  preached  some  in  East  Monmouth,  and  a  few 
persons  became  pious  and  united  with  that  church.  In 
1810,  they  were  dismissed,  and  a  church  in  Monmouth 
was  organized.  It  reported  eighteen  members  to  the  As- 
sociation in  Sept.  of  that  year.  Rev.  Elias  Nelson  origi- 
nated in  this  church,  and  from  it  he  received  a  license  in 
1813.|  Mr.  Nelson  was  ordained  pastor  in  1814,  and 
until  his  resignation  in  1817,  the  church  gradually  increas- 
ed. But  being  destitute  of  a  preached  gospel,  and  possess- 
ing much  inefficiency  in  itself,  the  church  was  dropped 
from  the  Association  in  1822,  as  having  no  existence.  It 
then  numbered  twenty-four  members.^ 

PALMYRA.  Palmyra  is  one  of  the  southeastern  towns 
in  Somerset  County,  and  was  among  the  first  to  be  settled 
in  that  vicinity.  Baptist  preachers  and  missionaries  occa- 
sionally travelled  through  this  new  settlement,  and  as  some 
of  the  original  settlers  were  Baptists,  they  became  ac- 
quainted here  and  lectured  to  the  people.  A  small  church 
of  seven  members  was  gathered  here  in  1810,  and  the 
same  year  united  with  the  Bowdoinham  Association.  In 
1816  it  numbered  eleven  members,  and  received  Rev. 
Joseph  Blaisdell  as  their  pastor.  In  1818,  there  was  some 
**Min.  C.A.andO.A.  fEld.  Case's  Journal.  fMin.B.A.  §Min.B.A. 


220  CHURCH  IN  PALMYRA. 

revival  in  the  church,  and  thirty-four  were  added  by  bap- 
tism. This  encouraged  both  pastor  and  people.  But  as 
is  the  '  morning  cloud,'  so  was  the  prosperity  of  this  church. 
This  awakening  was  rapidly  succeeded  by  a  declension  ; 
in  1822  the  church  had  no  pastor,  and  in  1824  their  num- 
ber was  reduced  to  twenty-four.  Elder  Blaisdell  preached 
in  1825,  and  some  additions  were  made  to  the  church.* 
From  this  time  till  1828,  the  church  maintained  existence 
by  occasional  preaching,  and  by  the  pious  and  constant 
efforts  of  their  worthy  deacon  Towle,  who  was  one  of  its 
original  members.  This  year  Rev.  Joseph  Roberts  became 
pastor.  He  served  the  church  about  five  years,  but  with 
small  success.  During  the  year  1834,  Rev.  D.  T.  Allen 
preached  some  to  the  church,  and  several  souls  were 
converted. t 

As  some  of  the  members  of  this  church  resided  in  St. 
Albans,  the  church  in  1835,  took  the  double  name,  '  Pal- 
myra and  St.  Albans.'  Elder  Roberts  is  still  a  member, 
but  the  church  had  but  little  preaching  till  1838.  Now 
begins  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  this  church.  Rev.  H. 
Hawes  became  the  pastor,  and  a  most  precious  revival  was 
enjoyed  and  more  than  three  scores  of  souls  were  added 
to  the  church.  Mr.  H.  was  pastor  about  two  years,  and 
left  the  church  with  its  numbers  increased  from  fifty-four 
to  one  hundred  and  seventy.  The  main  body  of  this 
church  is  now  in  St.  Albans.t  In  1842,  Rev.  O.  B. 
Walker  was  pastor.  In  1843  some  changes  took  place 
affecting  somewhat  the  position  of  the  church.  Twelve 
of  its  members  residing  in  Palmyra,  among  whom  was 
Father  Roberts,  were  dismissed  and  organized  into  a 
church  by  the  name  of  '  Second  Palmyra ;'  and  as  some 
of  the  old  church  were  residents  in  Hartland  Village,  it 
took  the  name,  '  St.  Albans  and  Hartland  Village,'  Rev. 

*Min.  B.  A.    tMin.  P.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  NEW  PORTLAND.  221 

Comfort  Taylor  is  its  present  pastor,  and  it  is  prospering 
with  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-three  members. 
This  church  is  in  the  midst  of  a  growing  community,  and 
promises  eminent  usefulness  in  the  cause  of  God.* 

NEW  PORTLAND,  ('formerly  called  MILLION  ACRES.') 
The  religious  sentiments  of  the  early  inhabitants  in  this 
town  were  to  the  fullest  extent  '  Arminian,'  as  held  in  those 
days  by  the  Free-will  Baptists.  The  first  religious  efforts 
here  were  made  by  that  sect.  Within  the  years  1809  and 
'10,  Elders  Thomas  Wyman  and  Henry  Kendall  visited 
this  place,  and  preached  a  few  sermons  each,  and  a  church 
of  fifteen  members  was  organized  in  1810.  But  for  want 
of  further  assistance,  and  being  much  scattered  in  a  thin- 
ly populated  community,  the  church  within  a  half  dozen 
years  lost  its  visibility.  Subsequently,  as  the  population 
increased,  Baptist  professors  from  different  churches  be- 
came residents  here.  Feeling  the  loss  of  former  privileges, 
they  unitedly  prayed  that  God  would  be  merciful  to  them 
in  their  destitute  condition.!  Their  prayer  was  not  in 
vain.  In  1837,  Elder  John  Haines  visited  them,  and  by 
his  instrumentality  a  church  of  nine  members  was  organ- 
ized in  Aug.  1837,  to  be  called  '  New  Portland  and  King- 
field,'  and  Nathan  Thomas  was  made  their  deacon. 

This  church  had  no  pastor  till  Rev.  W.  E.  Morse  accept- 
ed their  call  in  1842.  Previous  to  this  time  the  church 
was  favored  with  a  supply  about  half  the  time  by  various 
ministers.  Elders  N.  Mayhew,  E.  G.  Leach,  and  D.  T. 
Allen,  have  been  useful  to  the  prosperity  of  this  church, 
with  the  exception  of  some  trials  occasioned  by  some  im- 
prudences of  Rev.  E.  G.  Leach. 

Their  present  pastor,  Rev.  W.  E.  Morse,  commenced  his 
labors  while  a  licentiate,  and  has  been  a  profitable  minister 
to  the  church.  He  was  ordained  Sept.  1, 1841.  The  church 
is  now  called  New  Portland  and  has  thirty-six  members.! 

*Min.  P.  A.    fJames  Moody  Ch.  Ck,  and  Min.  K.  A. 


222  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Churches  added  to  the  Bowdoinham  Association  since  1811 — Third  Church 
Livermore — Second  Canaan,  (now  Skowhegan) — Moscow — Philips — 
Second  Mt.  Vernon,  a  temporary  church — Topsham — First  Church  Gar- 
diner— Guilford — Waterville — Parkman— Brighton,  a  temporary  church — 
Canaan,  formerly  Canaan  Second — Norridgewock — Athens — Gardiner 
Second  Church — Anson — Second  Bowdoinham — EastDixfield — Ripley — 
Corinna — Winthrop — Newport — Monmouth — Norridgewock— Madison — 
Hallowell — Third  Gardiner — South  Bowdoin — East  Monmouth — Pittston 
— Monmouth  Centre — Second  Lilchfield — Second  Leeds. 

LIVERMORE,  THIRD  CHURCH.  This  church  is  situated 
on  the  east  side  of  Androscoggin  river  adjoining  Fayette. 
A  few  of  the  members  of  the  '  first'  church  resided  here  ; 
and  in  the  neighborhood  called  '  Moose  hill,'  in  Fayette  ; 
a  number  more  belonged  to  the  church  in  Fayette.  These 
members  were  dismissed  from  their  respective  churches  in 
1812,  and  organized  into  a  church  by  the  name  of  the  third 
Livermore,  and  reported  to  the  Association  in  Sept.  thirty- 
seven  members,  with  Thomas  Wyman  pastor.  In  1817,  a 
revival  was  enjoyed  within  the  limits  of  this  church.  Sixty 
eight  were  now  added  by  baptism.  Eld.  W.  was  succeeded 
in  the  pastoral  office  in  1818,  by  Rev.  E.  Nelson,  from  Mon- 
mouth. Mr.  N.  labored  till  1821,  when  he  resigned,  hav- 
ing had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  but  little  prosperity.  Rev. 
Robert  Low  became  pastor  in  1824,  and  the  church  was 
now  refreshed  with  a  revival,  but  less  than  the  first — Elder 
Low  was  their  successful  pastor  till  1832.  From  1833  to 
1837,  constituted  a  period  in  which  the  church  experienced 
a  train  of  severe  internal  trials.  But  this  year  (1837)  the 
cloud  of  discouragement  seemed  to  break  away,  and  the 
church  was  restored  to  its  former  harmony.  They  pros- 
pered even  now  with  but  occasional  preaching,  not  having 
another  pastor  till  1841.  Rev.  O.  B.  Walker  officiated  for 
them  that  year.  Since  that  period  the  church  has  had  a 
supply  generally,  and  has  a  total  of  seventy  members.* 

*Min.  B.  A. 


SECOiND  CHURCH  IN  CANAAN— MOSCOW.  223 

SECOND  CANAAN,  (now  SKOWHEGAN.)  This  church  is 
located  on  the  east  side  of  the  Kennebec  river,  opposite  to 
Bloomfield.  Its  second  name  was  '  first  Canaan,'  its  third 
'Milburn,'  and  its  fourth,  the  one  it  now  bears.  Here  is  a 
pleasant  village,  where  the  church  now  centre.  The  church 
originated  with  members  who  first  belonged  to  the  churches 
in  Bloomfield  and  Clmton,  residents  of  this  place.  For 
convenience  and  the  extension  of  Baptist  influence,  these 
members,  twenty  in  all,  were  embodied  into  a  church,  Jan. 
7,  1813. 

Their  number  was  small,  and  surrounded  by  other  de- 
nominations who  had  become  occupants  of  this  field  previous 
to  their  organization.  Their  days  of  prosperity  have  been 
few,  and  those  of  trial  and  discouragement  many.  For  a 
period  of  thirty  years  they  were  not  able  to  provide  for 
themselves  the  benefit  of  a  pastor  or  stated  ministry,  except 
for  some  short  periods ;  and  consequently  obtained  but  a 
small  net  increase.  Those  ministers  who  favored  this 
church  with  occasional  supplies,  are  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Jonathan  Steward,  James  Steward,  Robert  Coburn,  Joseph 
Roberts,  Joseph  Wagg,  M.  Cain,  and  L.  Packard,  each 
preaching  a  portion  of  the  time  during  short  seasons. 

Rev.  L.  Packard  preached  one  fourth  of  the  time  in 
1839,  and  the  church  began  to  see  days  of  prosperity,  and 
was  enlarged  in  1840,  to  forty  members.  Rev.  John  Rob- 
ertson, their  first  pastor,  entered  upon  his  labors  in  1843. 
Their  present  number  is  forty-two.  -j, 

Rev.  Wm.  Oakes,*  a  member  of  this  church  was  ordain- 
ed as  an  evangelist  Feb.  ISlo.t  Several  of  the  original 
members  still  live  to  witness  the  progress  of  the  cause  they 
so  early  embraced. 

Moscow.  This  place  was  first  called  Bakerstown,  and 
was  then  the  most  northern  settlement  on  the  eastern  bank 

•Deposed  and  excluded  from  the  denomination  in  1821,  for  immoralities. 
iRev.  L.  Packard's  Com.,  Min  B.  and  K.  A. 


224        PHILIPS— SECOND  *IT.  VERNON— TOPS  HAM. 

of  the  Kennebec  river.  It  had  but  few  inhabitants  and 
few  religious  privileges.  A  Baptist  church  of  nineteen 
members  was  gathered  here  in  1812,  by  Elders  Thomas 
Merrill  and  Joseph  Palmer.  Some  aid  was  afforded  this 
feeble  vine  by  the  Maine  Missionary  Society  and  State 
Convention,  and  by  visiting  brethren.  Rev.  Isaac  Morse 
of  Madison,  has  rendered  them  important  benefits.  Since 
1840,  the  church  has  been  more  prosperous,  although  they 
are  still  weak,  and  residing  at  such  large  distances  from 
each  other,  their  privileges  remain  but  few.  They  have 
enjoyed  the  blessing  of  a  pastor's  labors  but  one  year  dur- 
ing their  whole  existence.  This  was  in  1842,  by  Elder  I. 
Morse.  Their  present  number  is  thirty-seven  members.* 

PHILIPS.  A  small  church  of  fourteen  members  was 
organized  in  this  town  in  1813.  But  it  never  prospered. 
In  1816  Rev.  Samuel  Wheeler  made  some  effort  to  build 
it  up,  but  in  vain.  As  the  Lord  left  Ephraim  so  He  '  let 
them  alone.'  It  became  extinct  in  1822.  No  Baptist 
church  has  since  existed  in  that  town.t 

MT.  VERNON  SECOND  CHURCH  A  small  church  of  eight 
members  was  organized  in  this  town  in  1814,  but  it  never 
prospered.  It  lived  about  three  years  and  then  died  in 
infancy. | 

TOPSHAM.  The  first  Baptist  preaching  in  Topsham  was 
by  Eld.  Simon  Locke,  it  is  believed  in  1779.  On  the  5th 
of  June,  he  baptized  Miss  R.  Purington,  who  was  the  first 
to  receive  the  ordinance  in  the  town.J 

Previous  to  this,  1771,  a  church  was  gathered  here  upon 
Presbyterian  foundation.  But  this  fell,  and  upon  its  re- 
mains a  Congregational  church  was  organized  in  1789, 
and  even  this  body  has  never  been  very  successful. §  From 
1782  Rev,  Mr.  Potter  preached  in  this  town  occasionally 

*Asa  Baker's  Com.  and  JVlin.  H.  and  K.  A.    Win.  B.  A.  1813,  1822. 
tRev  G.  Knox's  Com.    $Green.  Ecc.  his.  p.  98. 


CHURCH  IN  TOPSHAM.  225 

for  several  years  but  with  no  lasting  effect.  He  says, 
speaking  of  the  result  of  his  labors  in  T.,  '  I  saw  no  fruit 
attending  my  labors,  but  the  stopping  the  mouths  of  gain- 
sayers.'*  Rev.  Mr.  Case  was  here  and  preached  to  the 
'  awakening  of  several  persons'  in  1783,  and  soon  others 
preached  in  town  occasionally. t  The  next  baptism  was 
administered  by  Elder  Macomber.  The  time  is  not  known, 
but  must  be  subsequent  to  1784,  when  he  was  ordained. 
The  Baptists,  however,  did  not  by  these  operations  gain 
much  influence  in  the  town. 

A  church  was  not  gathered  here  until  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  from  churches  in  other  places  had  become  resi- 
dents in  town,  to  render  it  expedient  '  for  their  mutual  and 
spiritual  advancement  in  the  divine  life,  and  for  the  upbuild- 
ing of  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer,'  to  organize.  This  number 
was  found  in  1815,  (three  males  and  five  females,)  who  on 
the  2d  of  September  were  organized  into  a  church  at  Oak- 
hill,  so  called,  in  T.  Elder  Kendall  preached  on  the  oc- 
casion ;  and  although  a  small  one,  and  without  any  regular 
preaching  or  convenient  place  of  worship,  prosperity 
attended  their  efforts.  When  Elder  Kendall  became  its 
pastor,  1818,  the  church  numbered  more  than  fifty.  In 
1824,  the  Baptists  were  able  to  build  a  small  meeting 
house  in  the  village,  at  a  cost  of  $690,  where  they  worship- 
ped till  18135,  when  they  built  their  present  house  at  a  cost  of 
$3000.  Elder  K.  officiated  as  pastor  about  ten  years  with- 
out the  support  of  a  regular  salary.  Their  next  pastor  was 
Rev.  Charles  Johnson,  ordained  May  27,  1835.  But  death 
severed  the  relation  in  less  than  one  year.  In  1837,  Rev. 
E.  R.  Warren  entered  the  office  and  continued  with  the 
church  about  four  years.  Rev.  George  Knox,  their  present 
pastor,  entered  upon  his  work  here  by  ordination  Dec.  15, 
1841.  During  the  ministry  of  Messrs.  Kendall  and  War- 

*Pot.  Nar.  p.  22.    fElcl.  Case's  Journal. 


226  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  GARDINER. 

ren  the  church  experienced  revivals,  and  was  much  en- 
larged.* The  revival  in  1840,  was  the  most  distinguished 
for  the  zeal  of  the  church  and  the  large  number  of  con- 
verts. Meetings  were  held  for  more  than  one  hundred 
successive  evenings,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-two  per- 
sons were  added  to  the  church  by  baptism.  This  church 
has  had  many  trials.  Elders  Winslow  Staples,  A.  Wilson, 
and  Robert  F.  Ellis,  were  sent  out  from  this  church ;  and 
the  Main  Street  church  in  Brunswick  owes  its  -  existence 
to  the  success  of  the  Baptists  in  Topsham.  The  church 
is  now  large,  liberal  and  prosperous.  Their  present  num- 
ber is  two  hundred  and  fourteen  members.* 

GARDINER,  FIRST  CHURCH.  The  first  religious  society 
organized  in  Gardiner  was  Episcopalian.  This  society 
commenced  with  the  settlement  of  the  town  in  1771.  The 
foundation  for  this  society  was  laid  by  Dr.  Sylvester  Gar- 
diner, the  original  proprietor  of  the  town.t  In  1802  the 
Methodists  commenced  operations  here,  and  have  become 
a  numerous  and  influential  body.J  The  Baptists  made 
but  few  and  occasional  efforts  till  towards  the  close  of 
1815.  Travelling  preachers  and  missionaries  had  surveyed 
the  field,  but  finding  it  wholly  occupied,  they  chose  to 
operate  in  other  places.  In  the  autumn  of  1815,  Rev. 
Levi  Young  was  blessed  with  seeing  some  fruits  of  his 
labors  in  this  town.  Several  persons  were  converted  and 
baptized,  who,  together  with  a  few  resident  Baptists  were 
constituted  into  a  church  of  sixteen  members  on  the  14th 
of  December.  This  revival  progressed  into  the  next 
year,  1816,  and  the  church  was  considerably  enlarged. 
This  movement  laid  the  foundation  for  the  Baptist  cause 
in  Gardiner.  For  several  years  this  church  was  blessed 
with  the  ministry  of  Elder  Young,  although  somewhat  irreg- 
ularly, and  was  encouraged  to  hold  on  their  way.  From 

*Rcv.  George  Knox's  Com.    fGrecn.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  227.    JAp.  p.  54. 


CHURCH  IN  GUILFORD. 

about  1820  to  1824,  the  church  was  destitute,  had  but 
little  preaching  and  suffered  a  loss  of  numbers.  Towards 
the  close  of  1825  the  church  was  again  rejoiced  by  a 
special  refreshing.  Elders  Case  and  C.  Clark  rendered 
the  church  eminent  service  at  this  time.  Elder  Case 
preached  here  some  in  1826.  This  year  Rev.  T.  B. 
Robinson  received  a  license  from  this  church  to  preach 
Christ  to  perishing  sinners,  and  to  feed  his  lambs. 

In  1833,  Rev.  A.  Bedel  became  pastor.  He  labored  five 
years  with  the  church,  and  saw  the  displays  of  divine  grace 
among  the  people  in  1836  and  '37.  Rev.  E.  Coy,  succeed- 
ed Eld.  B.  and  preached  one  year,  1838.  The  next  pastor 
was  Rev.  A.  M.  Piper,  1840.  Rev.  Rufus  Chase  was  with 
them  from  1841  to  1843.  Their  present  number  is  one 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  members.  This  church  has  had 
some  peculiar  trials.  Their  place  of  worship  was  a  school- 
house  for  many  years.  At  length  opposition  awoke  among 
the  Universalists.  Through  their  influence  the  district 
voted  that  '  no  religious  meetings  should  be  held  in  their 
house.'  The  Baptists,  from  necessity,  provided  for  them- 
selves a  place  ot  worship  in  1837.* 

GUILFORD.  In  Guilford,  in  1806,  was  commenced  one 
of  the  first  settlements  on  the  Piscataquis  river.  The  sur- 
rounding country  was  a  dense  forest,  with  here  and  there 
a  small  opening.  In  1808,  Robert  Herring,  a  member  of 
the  church  in  New  Gloucester,  became  a  resident.  About 
this  time  there  was  some  revival  in  Sangefville,t  and  sever- 
al in  Guilford  were  converted  by  its  influence.  Mr.  Her- 
ring now  opened  an  evening  meeting  for  prayer  in  his  own 
house,  and  here  commenced  the  first  public  religious  exer- 
cises in  town.  During  the  progress  of  these  meetings,  a 
singular  and  interesting  incident  occurred.  It  is  related 

*Rev.  A.  M.  Piper's  Com.  Eld.  Case's  Jour,  and  Min.  B.  A.  iSec  his. 
of  that  Ch. 


228  CHURCH   IN  GUILFORD- 

that  '  on  one  evening  the  burden  of  each  prayer  was,  O 
Lord,  send  us  one  to  break  unto  us  the  bread  of  life.' 
Before  the  meeting  closed,  a  stranger  entered,  and  to  their 
joyful  surprise,  this  stranger  was  Rev.  John  Dagget,  of 
Greene,  who  came  as  a  missionary  among  them.  By  his 
presence  and  preaching,  these  humble  disciples  were  com- 
forted and  encouraged. 

Others  from  New  Gloucester  soon  became  residents 
here.  This  induced  Rev.  R.  Low,  who  had  been  a  former 
pastor  of  the  church  in  New  Gloucester,  to  visit  this  settle- 
ment. He  continued  his  visits  several  years.  And  by 
emigrations  and  conversions,  he  found  that  the  resident 
Baptists  in  town  had  increased  to  a  sufficient  number  to 
constitute  a  church.  On  the  7th  of  Jan.  1813,  he  embodi- 
ed fourteen  persons  in  that  relation,  and  R.  Herring  was 
made  its  worthy  deacon.  There  was  no  opposition  here  to 
the  Baptists  This  church  was  blessed  with  a  moderate 
prosperity,  having  not  much  preaching  till  1816.  This 
year  Rev.  Thomas  Macomber  was  elected  pastor.  He 
entered  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  and  sustained  the 
charge  over  the  church  for  a  period  of  nineteen  years,  when 
from  a  sense  of  duty,  he  resigned.  He  was  the  kind  and 
affectionate  pastor,  and  the  church  during  his  ministry  was 
blessed  with  an  addition  by  baptism  of  one  hundred  and 
eighteen. 

After  the  resignation  of  Eld.  M.  in  1835,  the  church 
mourned  their  loss,  but  prayed  to  God  that  he  would  pro- 
vide for  them  another  spiritual  guide.  In  1836,  D.  R 
Burbank,  a  student  of  Waterville  College,  made  them  a 
visit,  and  his  visit  being  signally  blessed  of  God,  and  the 
earnest  entreaty  of  the  church,  induced  Mr.  B.  to  be  or- 
dained pastor.  Sickness,  however,  terminated  his  useful 
labors  here,  with  the  close  of  his  second  pastoral  year.  Rev. 
Lucius  Bradford  succeeded  him  in  1838.  Rev.  T.  Gold 


CHURCH  IN  WATERVILLE.  229 

thwait  and  Rev.  L.  Kingman,  their  present  pastor,  have 
successively  officiated  since  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Brad- 
ford, 1841. 

Elders  Zenas  Hall  and  Daniel  Bartlett,  were  ordained  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  at  the  call  of  this  church.  The 
churches  in  Parkman,  Sangerville,  Monson,  and  Abbot, 
have  received  members  from  this  church  to  aid  their  pros- 
perity. Their  house  of  worship  was  built  in  1832.  This 
church  is  a  benevolent  body,  and  operates  liberally  with 
missionary  efforts.  Its  present  number  is  ninety-three.* 

WATERVILLE.  Baptists  and  their  doctrines  were  known 
at  a  much  earlier  date  than  the  organization  of  the  church 
in  Waterville.  Travelling  and  neighboring  ministers  had 
preached  here,  and  several  persons  residents  in  town 
became  believers  in  their  creed.  It  was  not  however  till  a 
few  months  after  the  establishing  of  the  Maine  Literary  and 
Theological  Institution  in  W.,  that  a  church  was  embodied 
in  the  town.  Thirteen  persons  who  had  united  with  the 
first  church  in  Sidney,  took  their  dismission  in  1818,  and 
united  with  seven  others,  then  members  of  the  Institution, 
in  church  relation,  on  the  27th  of  August  in  that  year.  The 
church  therefore  '  owes  its  existence'  mostly  to  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Institution. 

For  several  years,  although  blessed  with  an  eminent 
ministry,  many  causes  operated  to  retard  an  accelerated 
progress.  The  members  were  much  scattered,  their  place 
for  worship  was  removed  about  like  the  '  Shepherd's  Tent,' 
and  their  '  communion  table  was  spread'  at  all  their  differ- 
ent places  for  worship.  Soon  after  the  church  was  founded, 
Mrs.  Prudence  Farewell,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  presented 
to  them  a  beautiful  set  of  communion  furniture ;  the  church 
in  Salem,  two  dresses  for  baptismal  occasions  ;  and  Lin- 
coln and  Edmunds  of  Boston, '  a  pulpit  bible.'  Rev.  Jere- 

*Rev.  L.  Bradford's  Com.   -Mid  Min  B.  P.'P.  Asso. 
11 


230  CHURCH  IN  WATERVILLE, 

miah  Chaplin,  the  President  of  the  Institution,  was  called 
to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church,  Sept.  16,  1818.  But 
the  church  regarding  themselves  as  feeble,  and  supposing 
that  the  emoluments  at  the  Institution  sufficient  to  furnish 
him  with  a  competent  living,  no  stipulated  salary  was  offer- 
ed him.  After  two  years  prosperity,  however,  they  felt 
themselves  able  to  do  something  towards  the  support  of 
their  pastor.  Rev.  S.  Chapin  and  Rev.  A.  Briggs  were 
voted  by  the  church  associate  pastors,  May  5,  1823 ;  which 
'  arrangement  continued  till  October  1824,  when' Rev.  S. 
Chapin  became  sole  pastor.'  '  Of  the  persons  added  to  the 
church  by  baptism,  much  historical  interest  is  attached  to 
the  beloved  Missionary  Boardman,  who  was  baptized  July 
16,  1820.' 

In  1827,  they  erected  their  present  commodious  house 
of  worship.  Hitherto  they  had  been  nurtured  by  the  Insti- 
tution, but  now  they  '  began  to  feel  the  importance  of 
standing  by  themselves,  and  of  feeding  the  College  with 
the  means  of  grace,  instead  of  being  fed  by  it.'  And  aided 
by  the  Massachusetts  Baptist  Convention,  they  settled  Rev. 
Hervey  Fitz  by  ordination  as  pastor,  Oct.  7,  1829.  His 
stay  with  the  church,  however,  was  short,  occupying  the 
pastoral  office  with  them  but  a  little  more  than  a  year; 
during  which  there  was  some  special  mercy  received,  and 
some  additions  made  to  the  church.  In  1831,  twenty-two 
members  were  dismissed  to  form  a  church  in  Fairfield. 
This  was  '  an  ill-advised  step.'  For  after  lingering  seven 
years  without  influence  or  usefulness,  it  became  extinct. 

The  next  pastor  who  officiated  in  the  church  was  Rev. 
U.K.  Green,  who  was  placed  in  charge  by  installation  Oct. 
5, 1831.  During  his  stay,  a  period  of  two  years,  the  church 
was  enlarged  by  fifty-four  baptisms,  besides  a  large  number 
by  letter.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  S.  F.  Smith,  who 
began  preaching  with  the  church  in  the  capacity  of  a 


CHURCH  IN  PARKMAN.  231 

licentiate,  Jan.  1 ,  1834,  and  was  inducted  into  the  pastoral 
office  by  ordination  Feb.  12th.  Mr.  Smith  labored  here 
most  successfully  for  a  period  of  eight  years.  Under  his 
ministry  the  church  was  refreshed  and  enlarged  by  two 
very  signal  and  extensive  revivals.  The  church  was  next 
favored  with  the  able  ministry  of  Rev.  David  N.  Sheldon, 
now  President  of  Waterville  College.  He  entered  the  office 
of  pastor  in  1842,  and  continued  to  favor  the  church,  till 
his  call  to  the  Presidency  of  the  College  in  1843.  Another 
very  extensive  and  rich  harvest  was  gathered  during  his 
ministry.  This  church  has  been  a  home  for  many  of  the 
members  of  the  College,  which  will  account  for  the  large 
number  added  by  letter.  And  from  its  connection  with 
the  College,  that  institution  being  located  in  its  very  bosom, 
it  has  been  favored  with  gifts  and  religious  opportunities, 
unenjoyed  by  any  other  church  in  the  State.  It  has  there- 
fore been  regarded  as  occupying  a  most  important  position 
in  the  denomination  in  the  State.  Ministers  who  have 
once  held  membership  in  this  body,  are  now  laboring  in 
three  quarters  of  the  globe.  The  church  is  now  a  large, 
benevolent,  and  influential  body,  of  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
seven  members.* 

PARKMAN.  The  first  Baptists  in  (North  No.  5)  Park- 
man  were  emigrants  from  Greene,  who  gained  a  settlement 
there  between  the  years  1810  and  1817.  In  1813,  they 
united  with  the  church  in  Guilford,  where,  notwithstanding 
the  distance  and  no  roads,  they  attended  conferences  and 
other  religious  meetings.  Soon,  however,  Wm.  Cole,  Peter 
Cummings  and  Joshua  Coburn,  the  more  influential  among 
them,  commenced  holding  meetings  in  their  own  settle- 
ment. Missionaries,  Elders  T.  Macomber  and  Zenas  Hall 
aided  these  brethren  occasionally,  in  their  pious  endeavor:. 

*The  history  of  this  church  is  gathered  from  a  sketch  in  the  Min.  of  K.i. 
1838,  and  subsequent  copies  of  Min.  of  K.  A. 


232  CHURCH  IN  BRIGHTON— CANAAN. 

In  1818,  the  Lord  sent  his  reviving  and  renewing  influences 
among  them,  and  souls  were  converted  ;  and  on  the  29th 
of  August,  a  church  of  sixteen  members  was  organized  ;  P. 
Cummings  and  J.  Coburn  were  chosen  deacons. 

The  church  became  strongly  attached  to  Mr.  Hall,  and 
extended  a  call  to  him  to  become  their  pastor.  This  call 
was  heard,  and  on  the  14th  of  Jan.  1819,  he  was  ordained, 
and  has  been  the  faithful  and  affectionate  pastor  from  that 
time  to  the  present ;  and  it  would  seem  that  his  usefulness 
has  increased  with  his  age.  Eld.  Hall  has  received  for 
salary  from  $70  to  $100  per  annum,  besides  a  title  to  200 
acres  of  ministerial  land,  voted  him  by  the  town,  he  being 
the  first  settled  minister.  Receiving  therefore  a  comforta- 
ble support,  he  has  devoted  his  energies  to  the  cause  of 
God.  His  extra  parochial  labors,  have  been  many  and 
arduous.  The  surrounding  settlements  here  felt  the  influ- 
ence of  both  the  pastor  and  church  in  P.  The  church  in 
Cambridge,  Dexter,  and  Blanchard,  owe  their  existence 
mostly  to  efforts  made  by  the  Baptists  in  P.  Dec.  20, 1831, 
heir  present  house  of  worship  was  dedicated,  in  connexion 
with  a  quarterly  meeting.  At  that  meeting  God  commenc- 
ed a  gracious  revival,  which  proved  a  rich  blessing  to  the 
church.  In  1839,  and  in  1843,  seasons  of  special  mercy 
were  enjoyed,  and  the  church  much  enlarged.  Rev.  Ran- 
som Donham  and  Rev.  Joseph  Hall,  now  a  Free-will  Bap- 
tist preacher,  originated  with  this  church.  It  has  a  present 
total  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  members.* 

BRIGHTON,  (called  NORTH-HILL).  A  small  church  of 
^thirteen  members  was  organized  here  in  1818  ;  but  never 
lad  much  prosperity.  In  1825,  it  had  twenty-four  members. 
It  was  dropped  from  the  Penobscot  Association  in  1832. 

CANAAN,  (formerly  CANAAN  SECOND)  was  organized  in 
t^e  south  part  of  the  town,  with  nineteen  members,  in 

\Wm.  Brewstcr,Ch.  Clk.  Cora.    Min.  B.  and  P.  and  P.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  NORRIDGEWOCK— ATHENS.  333 

1819.  M.  Cain,  of  Clinton,  preached  with  them  one  quar- 
ter of  the  time  until  1834.  From  1834,  Rev.  Sara'l  Knox 
preached  with  them  apart  of  the  time  for  about  two  years, 
when  the  church  enjoyed  happy  seasons.  From  1837  to 
1842,  the  church  was  blessed  with  preaching  by  Rev.  L. 
Packard,  one  fourth  of  the  time.  They  are  still  a  feeble 
church  of  forty-five  members.  It  conferred  licenses  on  S. 
Cook  and  Nathaniel  Hubbard.* 

NORRIDGEWOCK.  This  is  the  shire  town  in  Somerset 
County ;  was  incorporated  in  1788,  and  by  a  rapid  increase 
a  small  village  rose  on  the  banks  of  the  Kennebec  river. 
Here  was  gathered  a  small  Congregational  church  in  1797, 
and  from  1814,  it  has  had  the  stated  labors  of  a  pastor. 
The  Methodists  also  commenced  in  this  town  about  the 
same  time  with  the  Congregation alists.  These  sects,  oc- 
cupying this  field  thus  early  have  since  held  a  commanding 
influence  over  the  people. 

In  1819,  a  Baptist  church  was  organized  of  ten  mem- 
bers. It  was  not  till  1838  they  were  able  to  secure  the 
labors  of  a  stated  pastor.  The  blessing  was  now  enjoyed 
under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  T.  Goldthwait  for  the  space  of 
about  four  years.  The  next  year  (1842)  the  church  was  not 
only  destitute  but  greatly  reduced  by  a  large  dismission  to 
constitute  a  second  church.  Deacon  Jos.  Pratt  has  been 
one  of  its  principal  supporters  through  all  its  existence. 
It  has  now  twenty-six  members  only,  and  is  destitute  of  a 
pastor  t 

ATHENS.  The  first  settlement  in  this  town  was  made 
about  the  year  1799.  Soon  the  Methodists  commenced 
preaching  here,  and  were  next  followed  by  the  '  Christian 
Band,'  so  called,  and  as  a  consequence  the  people  were 
generally  brought  under  the  influence  of  Arminian  doc- 
trines. In  1819,  there  was  some  awakening  in  town.  Pre- 

*Rev.  I .  Packard's  Com.  and  Min.  of  B.  and  K.  A.    fMin.  B.  and  K.  Ass. 


234    SECOND  CHURCH  IN  GARDINER— STRONG. 

vious  to  this,  however,  the  churches  in  Cornville  and  Har- 
mony, exerted  some  influence  over  the  people,  and  gathered 
some  members  from  among  them.  Two  persons  by  means 
of  the  awakening  in  1819,  became  Baptists.  There  were 
now  ten  Baptists  in  the  place,  and  these  were  on  the  17th 
of  September,  organized  into  a  church.  This  little  band 
went  forward,  forgetting  the  things  that  were  behind.  But 
like  other  small  churches  in  new  towns,  it  had  but  few 
gospel  privileges  for  many  years.  Elds.  E.  Taylor  and  John 
Daggett,  preached  here  occasionally.  Rev.  Tozier  Lord 
also  rendered  the  church  much  important  aid  in  1825  and 
'26.  After  this  Elder  Stanley  of  Cornville,  preached  one 
fourth  of  the  time  for  some  years,  which  was  to  the  church 
a  period  of  comfort  and  prosperity.  Under  the  ministry 
of  Elder  N.  Copeland,  in  1834,  the  church  was  revived 
and  cheered  by  additions.  They  have  since  been  aided 
by  Rev.  R.  Jones,  Rev.  C.  Taylor  and  others.  They  have 
a  total  of  fifty-six  members.  They  are  much  indebted  to 
their  pious  and  active  deacons,  E.  Cole  and  E.  Cun- 
ningham.* 

GARDINER,  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  church  was  organ- 
ized in  1820,  with  fifteen  members.  They  were  a  feeble 
band,  not  able  to  sustain  a  pastor,  or  build  a  house  of 
worship.  They  have  forty  members. 

STRONG.  The  Methodists  commenced  in  Strong  as 
early  as  1805,  and  a  small  Congregational  church  was 
gathered  here  in  1810,  but  for  several  years  made  but  little 
progress.  A  Baptist  church  of  twelve  members  was  organ- 
ized here  in  1820.  From  1822  to  1826,  Rev.  Samuel 
Knox  acted  as  their  pastor.  In  1834,  as  the  result  of 
a  union  protracted  meeting,  twenty-two  were  added  by 
baptism.  From  1835  to  1838,  Rev.  Wm.  Wyman  preached 

*Zion's  Adv.  Feb.  1835— Min.  B.  and  P.  Asso.  and  Eld.  R.  Jones' Com. 


CHURCH  IN   CHESTERVILLE— ANSON.  235 

to  them  one-fourth  of  the  time.     It  is  now  a   feeble  and 
destitute  church  of  twenty-eight  members.* 

CHESTERVILLE.  Congregationalists  commenced  minis- 
terial efforts  here  as  early  as  1789,  and  1796  '  the  church 
in  Chesterville,'  (including  all  the  members  of  that  faith 
in  Chesterville  and  Farmington)  was  organized.  Rev. 
Jotham  Sewall  was  an  original  member.  This  church 
has  ever  had  the  lead  in  religious  influence,  and  has  pros- 
pered more  than  any  other  sect  in  town.  Previous  to  1805 
the  Methodists  began  and  have  maintained  some  influence. 

With  the  increase  of  population  several  Baptists  from 
the  church  in  Fayette  became  residents  in  this  town.  In 
1820,  twenty  members  dismissed  from  the  church  in  F. 
were  constituted  into  a  church  in  Chesterville.  This 
church,  although  assisted  by  the  ability  of  its  worthy  dea- 
con, William  Bradbury,  many  years,  and  by  the  faithful 
preaching  of  Elder  Samuel  Dinsmore,  Elder  Boardraan, 
Elder  Wyman,  and  a  few  others,  was  never  enlarged,  ex- 
cept by  a  small  increase  during  the  first  years  of  its  exis- 
tence. The  church  commenced  a  sad  declension  about 
the  year  1831,  and  in  1839  its  name  was  dropped  from  the 
denomination.  In  1838  it  had  thirty  members.t 

ANSON.  Congregationalists  and  Methodists  commenced 
in  Anson  also  before  the  Baptists.  The  former  gathered 
a  church  in  1804,  which  has  prospered  ;  the  latter  estab- 
lished a  circuit  in  1809.  The  increase  of  Baptists,  at  first, 
was  mostly  by  emmigration.  Some,  however,  became  such 
by  occasional  Baptist  influence  in  town.  It  was  not  till 
1820  that  a  church  was  gathered,  and  then  consisted  of 
eighteen  members  only.  In  1823,  Rev.  Francis  Powers 
became  a  member  and  preached  about  one-fourth  of  the 
time  till  1838.  This  was  a  period  of  some  prosperity. 
Mr.  J.  A.  Badger,  a  licentiate,  and  some  other  neighbor- 

*Min.  B.  and  K.  Asso.        tM'«i.  B.  and  K.  Asso. 


236          SECOND  BOWDOINHAM— EAST  DIXFIELD. 

ing  ministers  since  have  bestowed  considerable  labor  upon 
the  church,  but  latterly  its  prospects  and  influence  have 
diminished.  It  has  never  been  cheered  or  enlarged  by  a 
revival,  but  has,  on  the  contrary,  had  to  endure  many 
severe  trials.  It  is  now  a  destitute  church  of  thirty-two 
members.* 

BOWDOINHAM,  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  church  is  the 
offspring  of  the  first  church,  and  although  the  old  stalk 
has  decayed  and  fallen,  the  branch  lives  and  flourishes.  It 
was  organized  Dec.  1820,  with  twenty-seven  members, 
and  is  situated  in  the  pleasant  village  of  that  town.  Rev. 
Daniel  Piersons  was  then  elected  pastor,  and  served  the 
church  about  six  years  in  the  office,  and  still  remains  a 
worthy  member.  Since  his  resignation  the  church  has 
enjoyed  preaching  at  stated  times,  by  Elders  R.  Milner 
about  two  years,  John  Butler,  E.  W.  Cressy,  W.  T. 
Sargent,  and  William  O.  Grant.  [Wm.  Bailey  is  now  their 
pastor,  1845.]  In  1837  the  church  and  society  was  accom- 
modated with  a  new  and  convenient  house  of  worship,  built 
principally  by  Wm.  Purington,  one  of  its  worthy  members. 
The  first  and  only  revival  in  this  community  of  Baptists 
was  in  1840,  under  the  labors  of  Mr.  Cressy,  by  which 
the  church  was  considerably  enlarged.  It  is  now  a  flourish- 
ing church,  and  is  exerting  a  healthful  influence  over  the 
village.  It  has  sixty-nine  members.t 

EAST  DIXFIELD,  (formerly  '  DIXFIELD.')  The  Con- 
gregationalists  formed  a  church  of  ten  members  in  town 
in  1806,  and  in  1820,  it  had  increased  to  about  twenty.J 

A  Baptist  church  was  organized  in  Sept.  1817,  and 
soon  after  Nathan  Mayhew  was  ordained  pastor.  The 
church  consisted  of  thirty-three  members.  In  1819  it  was 
enlarged  by  another  revival.  But  it  was  soon  after  left 
destitute,  the  members  were  scattered,  and  the  church  lost 

*Min.  B.  &  K.  As.    fCyrus  Gardiner's  Com.    JGreen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  192. 


CHURCH  IN  RIPLEY.  237 

its  way  in  the  wilderness  of  sin.  Some,  however,  of  these 
strayed  ones  were  afterwards  brought  back  and  enclosed  in 
a  new  fold.  In  April,  1831,  a  new  church  of  twelve  mem- 
bers was  constituted,  and  called  '  East  Dixfield.'  Since 
1837,  this  church  has  been  blest  with  the  ministry  of  Eld. 
Mayhew,  one  half  the  time.  It  is  still  a  feeble  band  of  but 
twenty-eight  members.* 

RIPLEY,  (now  CAMBRIDGE.)  In  the  winter  of  180S, 
Rev.  Thomas  Macomber,  while  performing  a  mission  under 
the  direction  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  passed 
through  No.  5,  (now  Ripley.)  It  then  contained  but  two 
or  three  families,  and  in  different  openings.  He  called  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Jacob  Hale,  to  tarry  for  the  night.  They 
were  favorable  to  religion,  and  desired  Mr.  M.  to  preach 
that  evening.  Notice  was  given  to  a  family  four  miles  dis- 
tant, which  was  their  nearest  neighbor,  and  Mrs.  Hale  said 
this  was  the  '  first  sermon  she  had  heard  for  six  years.'t 
In  1809  Rev.  H.  Kendall  passed  through  the  place,  and 
called  on  Mr.  Hale.  Eld.  K.  says,  '  there  were  two  pious 
females  in  town,  who  lived  a  mile  apart,  and  a  swamp  be- 
tween them,  in  the  centre  of  which  these  females  met  oc- 
casionally for  prayer.'  About  two  years  after,  Mr.  K.  vis- 
ited the  settlement  again,  and  baptized  Mr.  Hale  and  his 
wife,  who  were  the  first  baptized  in  Ripley. f 

In  1822,  this  place  was  visited  by  Eld.  Case,  during  a 
voluntary  mission.  Mr.  C.  says,  '  the  new  settlement  re- 
sounded with  the  praises  of  God.'  There'was  a  revival,  the 
fruits  of  the  efforts  of  a  pious  school  teacher,  '  Fourteen 
had  been  baptized.'  Before  Mr.  C.  left,  a  church  was  or- 
ganized, and  Jacob  Hatch  ordained  pastor. §  For  three 
years,  during  Mr.  H's  ministry,  the  church  increased  grad- 
ually. In  1828,  Dea.  Forest  Hatch  was  ordained  pastor, 

*A.  Fletcher's  Com.  B.  A.  fMe.  Bap.  Reg.  1808.  JEId.  Kendall'*  Jour. 
$Eld  Case's  Jour. 

11* 


238  CHURCH   IN  CORINNA. 

A  pleasing  success  attended  his  ministry,  till  it  was  termi- 
nated by  death,  May  3d,  1834.  His  last  labor  was  to  bap- 
tize twenty-two  persons,  among  whom  were  his  sister,  his 
daughter,  and  aged  father.  He  was  much  lamented  by  the 
church. 

The  church  now  takes  the  name  of  Cambridge,  and  is 
aided  in  its  progress  by  its  worthy  deacon,  D.  King.  After 
being  destitute  about  three  years,  they  settled  Rev.  R.  S. 
Mitchell ;  but  his  stay  was  short,  and  the  church  remained 
in  a  low  state.  Since  1841 ,  they  have  received  a  portion  of 
the  labors  of  Rev.  A.  Clarke,  to  their  comfort  and  prosperi- 
ty. They  number  seventy-three  members.  This  church  has 
had  many  trials,  but  under  God  it  has  triumphed.* 

CORINNA.  A  Baptist  church  was  constituted  here  in 
Sept.  1822,  The  original  members,  ten  in  number,  were 
mostly  from  the  Baptist  churches  in  Livermore.  But  a 
week  or  two  previous  to  their  organization,  Eld.  Case  vis- 
ited them.  He  found  them  holding  regular  meetings  for 
worship,  and  by  his  advice,  they  at  once  proceeded  to  an 
embodiment.t  They  were  favored  with  occasional  preach- 
ing by  Elders  J.  Martin  and  J.  Hatch.  Mr.  B.  P.  Win- 
chester preached  to  them  in  1828,  and  in  1829  was  ordain- 
ed pastor,  He  has  since  labored  faithfully  and  constantly 
for  the  cause  of  God  among  them.  This  church  has  never 
been  blest  with  an  extensive  revival,  but  has  pressed  on 
through  many  trials  to  the  present,  and  still  prospers  with 
fifty  members.  Previous  to  the  settlement  of  their  pastor, 
a  painful  difficulty  arose  in  the  church,  which  divided  the 
members ;  and  afterwards  it  continued  to  paralyze  the  ef- 
forts of  the  pastor.  Dec.  28,  1835,  by  means  of  the  faith- 
ful and  prayerful  labors  of  a  council,  and  the  blessing  of 
God,  fellowship  was  again  restored.  Since  that  time,  the 
church  has  had  rest,  union,  and  prosperity.  Their  places 
*Min.  B.  Pen.  and  Pis.  Asso.  fEld.  Case's  Journal. 


CHURCH  IN  VVINTHROP.  239 

of  worship  are  private  dwellings  and  school  houses.*  East 
St.  Albans  received  members  from  this  church. 

WINTHROP.  The  original  members  of  this  church  were 
dismissed  from  the  church  in  Readfield,  and  were  organiz- 
ed, thirty  in  number,  June  22,  1824.  A  Baptist  meeting- 
house was  built  in  East  Winthrop,  in  1823,  and  a  gracious 
revivals  was  enjoyed  in  the  latter  part  of  that  year.  Mr. 
Case  says,  '  The  revival  which  had  commenced  in  Read- 
field,  spread  into  the  eastern  part  of  Winthrop  with  great 
power,  and  most  of  the  influential  in  society  were  converted, 
and  a  large  part  of  the  lovely  youth  embraced  the  Saviour.' 
This  revival,  under  the  labors  of  Rev.  Phinehas  Bond,  then 
a  licentiate,  continued  till^  the  winter  of  1825.  Says  Mr. 
Fuller,  of  the  church  in  W.,  Elds.  O.  Briggs  and  J.  Haines, 
were  instrumental  in  promoting  this  revival.  July  llth, 
1824,  this  church  was  increased  by  the  addition  of  seventy- 
four  by  letter,  from  Readfield  church.  And  in  May  1825, 
Rev.  John  Butler  was  installed  as  pastor,  which  relation 
was  continued  with  prosperity  to  the  church  till  May  1831. 
In  a  few  weeks  alter  the  close  of  Eld.  B's  labors,  Eld.  S. 
Fogg  commenced  preaching  among  them,  and  a  pleasing 
revival  enlarged  the  church.  From  this  time  till  183G, 
the  church  was  supplied,  mostly  by  Elders  Fogg  and  R. 
Low.  There  was  some  revival  in  the  spring  of  1835,  and 
a  number  of  the  youth  were  converted.  The  writer  of 
these  lines,  then  a  student  in  Newton  Institution,  preached 
a  few  weeks  with  the  church  at  that  time.' 

From  1836  to  1839,  Rev.  J.  Ingraharn  was  their  suc^ 
cessful  pastor.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  D.  E  Burbank, 
who  entered  upon  his  public  work  among  them  Sept.  1839. 
His  ministry  was  sanctified  to  the  good  of  both  the  church 
and  society.  But  his  labor  with  them  was  short.  He  died 
in  Winthrop,  Oct.  1840,  in  a  triumphal  view  of  his  final 

"Rev.  B.  P.  Winchester,  and  Min.  B.  Pea.  and  Pis.  Asso. 


240  CHURCH  IN  NEWPORT— MONMOUTH. 

rest.  Rev.  F.  Merriam,  their  present  pastor,  was  imme- 
diately ordained  over  them.  By  his  ministry,  the  church 
advances  in  usefulness  and  increases  in  numbers.  This 
church  is  distinguished  for  its  temperance  and  missionary 
spirit.  It  has  enrolled  on  its  records  one  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  members.* 

NEWPORT.  A  very  few  of  the  early  settlers  in  this  town 
were  Baptists,  who,  like  thrifty  vines  in  a  new  and  rich 
soil,  were  productive  of  much  fruit.  Rev.  Paul  Ruggles 
of  Etna,  preached  occasionally  to  their  edification  and 
strength.  In  1817  a  church  was  embodied  with  only  five 
members.  In  two  years  it  increased  to  eighteen.  From 
1819  to  1822,  they  were  destitute  and  had  many  trials,  and 
became  much  scattered.  In  1823  Eld.  R.  Coburn  was 
received  as  their  pastor.  Mr.  Coburn  labored  successfully 
with  them  till  1835.  During  his  ministry  this  church  had 
many  seasons  of  refreshing.  The  most  interesting  revivals 
were  in  1834,  the  fruits  of  a  protracted  meeting,  which 
continued  thirteen  successive  days. 

In  1836  it  was  supplied  by  Rev.  Wm.  Oaks.  In  1837 
the  small  church  of  ten  members  in  Stetson,  united  with 
this  church.  It  is  much  wiser  to  unite  strength  than  to 
weaken  by  division.  Since  this  union  they  have  been 
supplied  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  the  time  by  Elders 
Hatch,  Steward,  and  B.  D.  Small.  The  doctrines  of  Miller 
has  caused  many  trials  in  this  church,  yet  they  prosper  ; 
and  now  number  eighty-one  members.  Elder  D.  Steward 
received  license  and  ordination  by  this  church.t 

MONMOUTH.  Rev.  James  Potter  visited  that  part  of 
Monmouth  in  which  this  church  is  situated  in  1783.  He 
says  '  the  people  generally  attended  meeting  and  gave  good 
attention  to  the  word.  They  were  free  to  converse,  but 
disposed  to  cavil.  And  I  discovered  no  fruit  in  this  place 

"Church  Records.   -tPeleg  Whiting,  Ch.  Clk.and  Min.  B.  and  P.  Asso. 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  CANAAN— MOSCOW.  241 

to  my  satisfaction.'  Although  from  the  days  of  Potter, 
preachers  have  passed  and  repassed  through  the  town  and 
preached  on  their  way  ;  and  although  a  church  in  the  north- 
east part  of  the  town  had  once  existed,  yet  there  were  not 
a  sufficient  number  of  Baptists  found  in  town  after  the 
fall  of  the  old  church,  to  render  it  expedient  to  organize, 
till  1827,  when  this,  the  first  church  in  Monmouth,  was 
constituted.  Even  then  the  number  was  fifteen  only. 
They  prospered,  and  in  1828  they  erected  their  house  of 
worship.  From  this  time  to  1837,  they  secured  preaching 
about  three-quarters  of  the  time  and  received  an  annual 
increase.  In  1836  Rev.  S.  Hinkley  was  ordained  as  an 
evangelist,  and  in  1837  they  enjoyed  a  precious  revival  by 
means  of  the  special  efforts  of  Rev.  J.  Butler.  This  year 
they  had  stated  preaching  by  Elders  J.  Ridley  and  Wm. 
Day,  who  preached  alternately  one-half  of  the  time  each. 
In  1838  Mr.  Ridley  became  pastor,  whose  useful  labors 
were  continued  till  1842.  In  1843  another  revival  was 
experienced,  and  their  present  pastor,  Cyrus  Case,  was 
ordained.  Truly  the  Lord  has  done  great  things  for  this 
body  of  Baptists.  The  church  has  increased  from  fifteen 
to  one  hundred  and  ten  members.* 

NORRIDGEWOCK,  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  church  was 
organized  in  1828,  with  eighteen  members.  But  opposing 
influences  at  once  checked  its  progress,  and  for  want  of 
strength  and  aid,  it  faded  and  was  lost  to  the  denomination 
in  1831,  with  twenty  members. t 

MADISON.  This  church  united  with  Bowdoinham  As- 
sociation in  1828,  but  of  its  particular  history  we  have 
obtained  but  little  information.  It  then  had  thirteen  mem- 
bers, with  Charles  and  Isaac  Morse  deacons,  the  latter  of 
whom  received  license  to  preach  in  1834.  He  was  bene- 
ficial to  the  church.  Rev.  Mr.  Stanley  preached  here 

•Zion's  Advocate,  Dec.  7,  1837,  and  B.  A.     tMin.  B.  A. 


242    SECOND  HALLOWELL— THIRD  GARDINER. 

occasionally  in  1835,  and  a  pleasing  revival  added  about  a 
dozen  to  the  church,  Oct.  1835.  Mr.  Morse  was  ordained 
and  preached  a  part  of  the  time  in  1836.  Elder  Cain  sup- 
plied them  some  in  1838,  and  Win.  Wilbur  was  licensed 
to  preach.  He  also  was  useful  in  the  church.  Since  that 
time  it  appears  that  the  church  has  passed  through  many 
trials,  had  but  few  privileges,  and  enjoyed  but  little  pros- 
perity. It  is  still  a  feeble  church  of  twenty-eight  members.* 

HALLOWELL,  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  small  church  is 
situated  in  the  north-west  corner  of  Hallowell,  and  centers 
in  the  village,  '  Cross-Roads.'  Several  members  of  the 
church  in  Readfield  residing  at  and  near  this  village,  feel- 
ing that  it  would  be  for  their  convenience  to  be  united  in 
a  church  capacity,  were  by  their  request  dismissed  from 
that  church  and  embodied  as  they  desired  in  Dec.  1830, 
and  numbered  twenty-one  members.  But  time  has  shown 
that  what  was  for  their  convenience  was  not  for  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Baptist  interest. 

Although  able  to  erect  for  their  accommodation  a  small 
house  of  worship,  and  favored  with  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
Joseph  Torrey,  from  1830  to  1832 ;  Rev.  Allen  Barrows, 
(ordained  Sept.  23.)  from  1834  to  1835;  Rev.  T.  Gold- 
thwait,  (ordained  1838,)  1838,  and  Rev.  J.  H.  Ingraham 
1839,  and  a  part  of  the  time  since,  its  prosperity  has  been 
but  a  fraction  more  than  nothing.  It  is  now  under  the 
censure  of  the  first  church  in  Hallowell,  for  receiving  her 
excluded  members.  Considerable  difficulty  and  trial  has 
been  occasioned  already  by  the  circumstance,  and  whnt 
will  be  the  issue  time  must  reveal.  It  has  thirty-three 
members.t 

THIRD  GARDINER.  This  church  was  organized  in  1834, 
and  in  Sept.  it  had  thirty  members.t  Having  never  had 

*Min.  B.  and  K.  A.    fRecords  of  Readfield  Ch.  aud  Min.  B.  A. 
JRev.  Mr.  Piper  s  com. 


SECOND  CHUflCH  IN  MONMOUTH— P1TTSTON.     £43 

the  advantages  of  a  pastor,  or  a  stated  place  of  worship, 
and  having  to  endure  many  trials,  principally  occasioned 
by  the  influence  of  those  who  are  not  friendly  to  the  pros- 
perity of  the  Baptists,  they  have  made  but  slow  progress, 
and  obtained  but  small  increase.  The  church  has  been 
favored  with  occasional  preaching  by  Baptist  preachers  in 
its  community ;  and  Elders  Cross  and  Bedel  have  bestowed 
upon  this  church  a  portion  of  their  ministry  at  different 
stated  periods.  The  church  has  experienced  revival  sea- 
sons, by  which  they  have  been  strengthened,  and  encour- 
aged to  perseverance.  They  are  however  a  feeble  band  of 
disciples,  and  enjoy  comparatively  but  few  means  of  grace. 
Their  present  number  is  forty-nine.* 

EAST  MONMOUTH,  or  the  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  M.  In 
1837,  a  very  extensive  revival  spread  its  influence  from  the 
first  church  over  the  centre  of  the  town,  and  among  the 
people  in  the  more  eastern,  especially.  This  revival  was 
promoted  by  the  labors  of  Elders  Ridley  and  Day,  and  a 
protracted  meeting,  in  which  Rev.  J.  Butler  participated. 
To  this  work  of  the  Lord  this  church  owes  its  existence, 
and  was  constituted  during  its  progress,  with  seven  mem- 
bers. In  Sept.  this  number  was  increased  to  twenty-five, 
and  Rev.  Wm.  Day  received  the  pastoral  charge.  The 
good  work  of  tha  Lord  continued,  and  in  1838  eighteen 
more  were  added  to  the  church.  Eld.  Day  resigned  his 
charge  in  1840,  since  which  the  church  has  been  destitute  ; 
had  no  stated  ministry  ;  suffered  a  loss  of  members ;  but  is 
united  and  steadfast ;  and  is  striving  to  keep  the  faith ; 
having  a  total  of  thirty-seven  members.t 

PITTSTON.  This  was  constituted  of  members  from  other 
churches,  Dec.  1840.  It  is  located  in  a  pleasant  and  grow- 
ing village  on  the  east^bank  of  the  Kennebec  river,  oppo- 
site Gardiner.  Aided  by  visiting  ministers,  it  has  made 

*Min.  B.  A.    fAlin.  B.  A. 


244  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843. 

some  progress.  Recently  its  prospects  brighten,  having 
formed  a  connection  with  the  village  church  in  Gardiner, 
for  the  support  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Lawton,  as  pastor.  Mr.  L, 
resides  in  Pittston,  and  the  new  Baptist  interest  is  reviving 
around  him.  This  church  has  fifteen  members,* 

MONMOUTH  CENTRE,     This  church  was  constituted  in 

1842,  and  is  situated  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  as  its  name 
indicates.     Rev.  S.  Hinkley  is  its  pastor.     It  is  a  small 
church  of  only  ten  members.t 

SKCOND  LITCHFIELD.     This  church  was  constituted  in 

1843,  with  twenty-two  members,  and  is  increased  to  twenty- 
eight.     Rev.  James  Ridley  is  their  pastor.J 

SECOND  LEEDS.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  south- 
east corner  of  Leeds.  Here  lived  a  few  members  belong- 
ing to  the  First  church  in  town,  and  for  their  convenience 
they  were  in  July  1843,  organized  into  a  separate  church, 
and  Rev.  W.  Foss  soon  became  their  pastor.  They  have 
increased  from  twenty-seven  to  thirty-four  members.^ 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION  FROM  1804  TO  1843. 

ALTHOUGH  this  Association  was  much  reduced  by  the 
division  in  1804  ;  yet  the  next  year  they  were  greatly  en- 
couraged by  the  intelligence  from  the  churches.  Extensive 
revivals  and  large  additions,  indicated  to  them  that  God 
approbated  this  new  arrangement  to  promote  a  wider  spread 
of  gospel  truth.  A  larger  number  of  communicants  were 
added  to  the  Association  than  had  been  received  in  any 
previous  year.  The  wants  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society 
received  special  attention,  and  was  relieved  by  a  contribu- 
tion of  $150.  The  circular  was  an  appropriate  address 

•Zion's  Adv.  (1841) ;  B.  A.    fMin.  B.  A.    }Min.  B.  A. 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843.  345 

upon  '  Good  Works.'  This  theme  is  defined,  and  exhibits 
the  views  of  the  Baptists  upon  this  subject.  The  writer 
says,  '  By  doing,  we  do  not  mean  what  some  call  '  good 
works,'  which  are  done  from  selfish  motives,  to  pacify  a 
defiled  conscience,  or  to  escape  future  punishment  ;  be- 
cause such  are  no  more  than  '  outer  court'  worshippers. 
But  by  doing,  we  mean  having  respect  to  all  God's  com- 
mandments, an  obedience,  which  has  not  self  at  the  bottom, 
but  proceeds  from  faith  and  love.'  A  correspondence  wfcs 
now  opened  with  Lincoln  Association. 

In  1806,  by  means  of  missionary  and  other  extra  labors, 
four  new  churches  had  been  gathered  and  were  added  to 
the  Association.  And  as  the  vineyard  was  extended,  God 
raised  up  laborers  to  cultivate  it.  Elders  Thomas  Wyman, 
Jacob  Jewell,  George  Ricker  and  Henry  Kendall,  had 
commenced  their  work  in  this  gospel  field.  Two  hundred 
and  thirty-five  dollars  were  raised  in  the  Association  for 
the  aid  of  Missions  ;  but  it  deserves  particular  notice,  as 
an  interesting  fact,  that  these  servants  of  God  did  not  de- 
pend wholly  upon  these  outward  means  for  success.  Al- 
though the  treasury  of  the  Missionary  Society  was  richly 
replenished,  yet  they  felt  that  the  blessing  of  God  on  the 
laborers'  work  was  indispensable  to  their  usefulness.  It 
was  therefore  at  this  meeting,  by  a  vote,  recommended  to 
the  churches  to  observe  the  first  day  of  January  as  a 
season  for  '  Humiliation,  Fasting  and  Prayer.'  That  the 
particular  objects  of  this  movement  might  be  properly 
understood,  this  recommendation  was  accompanied  with 
instructions,  to  pray,  especially  '  for  an  increase  of  labor- 
ers ;'  '  for  the  pardon  of  the  manifold  provocations  of  the 
baptized  church  ;'  '  for  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
them  ;'  and  'that  God  would  send  down  a  liberal  spirit  upon 
these  baptized  churches,'  &-c.  The  day  was  observed,  and 
a  blessing  was  received. 


246  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843. 

The  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1807,  was  rendered 
peculiarly  interesting  to  the  brethren,  by  the  intelligence 
communicated  by  the  Missionary  Society.  Success  had 
crowned  every  effort  of  the  Society,  and  it  was  liberally  sus- 
tained in  its  operations.  There  was  one  thing  of  particu- 
lar interest  that  occurred  at  this  meeting,  and  deserves  spe- 
cial notice,  as  it  was  a  means  of  bringing  out  to  public 
view  the  peculiar  sentiments  of  the  Baptists  respecting 
*  manuscript  preaching,'  or  '  reading  written  sermons.' 
Rev.  Thomas  Francis,  of  Leeds,  about  to  fulfil  the  duty 
previously  assigned  to  him,  by  preaching  the  introductory 
discourse,  informed  his  brethren  that  he  'had  written  his 
sermon,  and  should  preach  from  his  notes.'  This  was  rather 
novel,  it  being  the  first  time  the  singular  mode  had  been 
introduced ;  but  the  sermon  was  preached,  and  although  it 
was  regarded  as  a  most  able,  interesting  and  instructive 
discourse,  yet  Mr.  F.  had  the  credit  of  reading  only.  It 
could  not  be  allowed  by  the  Baptists  in  those  days,  as 
preaching.  Mr.  Francis  had  only  one  apology  to  make  to 
his  brethren,  which  was  the  peculiarity  of  his  subject  and 
design  of  his  discourse.*  The  sermon  was  preached  from 
Genesis  32:  10.  ( And  now  I  am  become  two  bands?  and 
with  reference  to  the  division  of  the  Association  in  1805. 
The  author  of  the  sermon  has  since  entered  into  '  rest,' 
but  the  sermon  lives,  and  bears  testimony  to  the  talents, 
the  piety,  and  religious  worth  of  its  author. 

In  1808,  the  Association  was  cheered  especially  with  an 
addition  of  three  new  churches,  viz  :  Freeport,  Perjepscot, 
(now  Danville),  and  second  Lisbon,  (now  first  in  Webster); 
and  had  the  privilege  of  extending  a  joyous  welcome  to 
Rev.  Messrs.  Silas  Stearns,  Ebenezer  Bray,  Josiah  Con- 
verse, and  John  Dagget,  to  a  participation  in  the  labors 
peculiar  to  the  ministry  in  this  new  and  extensive  field. 

*Rer.  Thomas  Francis'  com. 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1845.  247 

There  were,  this  year,  several  very  extensive  and  glorious 
revivals  within  the  limits  of  the  Association,  the  intelligence 
from  which  gave  new  impulse  and  vigor  to  their  faith.  The 
circular  was  by  Dr.  Green,  of  North  Yarmouth,  and  we 
should  think  that  was  a  timely  and  well  adapted  address  to 
the  wants  of  the  churches.  It  was  doctrinal,  and  on  the 

*  Atonement,'     The  Dr.  was  very  successful  in  this  effort. 
After  giving  a  true  definition  of  the  term,  he  very  happily 
and  very  clearly  explains  and  illustrates  the  '  Nature,'  the 

'  Extent/  and  the  '  Uses'  of  the  doctrine.  Something  of 
this  kind  of  preaching  was  much  needed  at  that  time. 
Much  was  said  among  the  churches  upon  '  General'  and 
'Particular3  Atonement ;  and  no  man  in  the  denomination 
at  that  time,  was  more  able  and  sufficient  to  arrest  all  con- 
troversy among  the  churches,  enlighten  the  brethren,  and 
create  among  them  a  uniformity  of  sentiment  upon  this  im- 
portant doctrine,  than  was  Dr.  Green.  Some  tell  us,  but 
we  profess  not  to  aver  the  truth  of  the  saying,  that  with  Dr. 
Green  commenced  a  change  in  the  Baptist  faith — from 

*  hyper-Ca]\'\mst\c,'  to  a  '  moderate  Calvinistic' — and  some 
say,  from   '  Antinomianism'   to  '  Arminianism  ;'   and  thus 
the  Baptists  have  travelled  from  one  extreme  of  heterodoxy 
to  another.      But  the  truth  seems  to  be,  that  the  Baptists 
have  always  aimed  to  be  in  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  unit- 
ing in  their  creed  ,as  the  great  cardinal  doctrines,  'Grace,' 
and  '  Means' — '  Faith'  and  '  Good  Works.' 

The  anniversary  season  in  1809  was 'refreshed  by  the 
intelligence  of  extensive  revivals,  some  of  which  had  ap- 
peared in  the  new  settlements,  as  fruits  of  missionary  labors, 
and  several  new  churches  had  been  gathere'd  in  distant 
places,  to  make  glad  the  wilderness.  Missionaries  had 
explored  the  northern  parts  of  the  State,  and  particularly 
the  country  about  the  Penobscot  and  Piscataquis  rivers. 
Elders  Case,  Macomber,  Francis,  Kendall,  Gould  and 


248  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  ISM— 1843 

Bisbee,  were  engaged  in  these  itinerant  efforts.  The 
churches,  Cornville,  Harmony,  Piscataquis,  (now  Sanger- 
ville)  from  Somerset  County,  and  Denmark,  from  Oxford, 
were  received  at  this  meeting.  The  Association  having 
again  become  large,  occupying  the  entire  settled  parts  of 
Kennebec,  Cumberland,  Oxford  and  Somerset  Counties, 
and  a  part  of  Lincoln  and  Penobscot,  a  proposition  to 
make  a  second  division  was  now  made.  But  the  subject 
was  referred  to  the  next  anniversary  for  an  expression  of 
all  the  churches. 

The  session  in  1810,  says  the  clerk,  was  '  attended  with 
fresh  tokens  of  the  divine  presence.'  The  churches  dur- 
ing the  year  had  experienced  unusual  mercy,  and  the 
destitute  had  been  made  glad  by  the  presence  of  their 
missionaries.  A  missionary  sermon  was  now  preached  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Blood,  after  which  it  is  said,  '  the  people  con- 
tributed with  warm  and  liberal  hearts.'  The  Association 
was  enlarged  by  the  reception  of  the  following  churches : 
Bridgton,  Monmouth,  Hartford,  Palmyra  and  Million  Acres, 
and  Elders  Joseph  Dinslow,  James  Garcelon  and  Elisha 
Robbins,  had  become  members  of  this  body. 

The  subject  of  dividing  the  Association  came  up  for 
decision.  For  the  '  convenience  of  the  churches  and  the 
extension  of  the  cause  of  God,'  it  voted  to  divide,  making 
the  Androscoggin  river  and  the  line  between  the  counties 
of  Oxford  and  Somerset  the  line  of  separation,  leaving 
it  optional  with  those  churches  along  that  line,  to  unite 
with  which  body  they  pleased. 

Besides  the  usual  business,  the  subject  of  establishing 
an  Institution  in  the  State  for  the  promotion  of  literary  and 
theological  knowledge,  was  introduced  for  consideration. 
The  subject  had  for  a  considerable  time  occupied  the  at- 
tention of  many  of  the  Baptist  ministers.  All  however 
that  was  done  at  this  meeting,  was  the  appointment  of  a 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  18W— 1843.  249 

committee  to  confer  with  the  Lincoln  Association  on  the 
subject,  and  an  appeal  to  the  churches  calling  their  atten- 
tion especially  to  it.* 

At  the  25th  anniversary  of  the  Bowdoinham  Association 
in  1811,  twenty-seven  churches  and  eighteen  ordained  min- 
isters were  represented  as  composing  the  body.  There  was 
nothing  especially  interesting  in  the  intelligence  received, 
and  nothing  worthy  of  particular  note  transacted  in  the 
course  of  business  excepting  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
to  unite  with  others  whom  the  Lincoln  and  Cumberland  As- 
sociation may  select,  to  petition  the  Legislature  for  the 
incorporation  of  the  contemplated  Literary  and  Theologi- 
cal Institution.  The  number  of  ministers  were  increased 
by  the  introduction  of  Elders  James  Pierce  and  Samuel 
Smith.  One  church  only  was  added  at  this  meeting. 

An  encouraging  prosperity  was  reported  from  most  of 
the  churches  in  1814,  and  several  revivals.  Some  of  the 
churches,  however,  were  passing  through  some  unpleasant 
trials.  The  subject  of  Foreign  Missions  was  now  intro- 
duced to  the  attention  of  the  Association,  by  the  reading 
of  a  letter  from  Rev.  Luther  Rice.  The  subject  received 
a  cordial  welcome.  That  missionary  spirit  which  had 
characterized  the  movements  of  the  Baptists  from  the  first, 
was  now  enlisted  in  favor  of  Foreign  exertion,  and  the 
Association  recommended  that  the  churches  take  quarterly 
collections  for  the  pious  purpose.  In  view  of  a  general 
decline  of  the  religious  feelings  in  the  churches,  they  were 
invited  to  spend  a  season  in  prayer  each  day,  particularly 
for  a  revival  of  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  It  appears 
that  during  the  winter  of  this  year,  a  most  sweeping 
epidemic  had  prevailed  among  the  inhabitants  within  the 
limits  of  this  body ;  to  which  we  find  in  the  circular  the 
following  striking  allusion — '  the  day  of  our  visitation  is 

*Min.  B.A.  1810. 


250  BOVVDOINHAiM   ASSOCIATION,  1«H— 1843. 

come.'  -'The  Most  High  hath  a  controversy  with  us:  an 
by  pestilence  and  sword,  is  He  pleading  his  righteous 
cause  :  and  though  the  slain  of  the  Lord  have  been  many, 
yet  is  not  his  anger  turned  away.'  It  was  stated  by  phy- 
sicians that  six  hundred  persons  died  in  the  County  of 
Kennebec  during  the  progress  of  this  calamity. 

In  1815,  the  intelligence  from  the  churches  was  refresh- 
ing. From  the  town  of  Bowdoin,  more  than  one  hundred 
and  sixty  converts  were  reported.  Other  places  also  had 
been  watered  with  plenteous  showers.  At  this  session,  two 
interesting  questions  were  proposed  to  the  Association  for 
their  decision.  First,  '  Is  it  agreeable  to  Apostolic  order, 
and  for  the  peace,  harmony,  and  union  of  churches,  for  one 
church  to  receive  a  member  who  is  excluded  from  another 
church  of  the  same  faith  and  order,  until  it  is  made  evident 
that  the  church  excluding,  is  corrupt  in  discipline,  and 
struck  out  of  the  fellowship  of  the  associated  body  V  To 
answer  this  inquiry,  the  Association  voted  concurrence 
with  Cumberland  Association,  that,  '  Each  church  is  inde- 
pendent with  respect  to  discipline;'  and  that  'an  associa- 
tion of  churches  have  no  power  to  abrogate  the  censures  of 
an  individual  church ;  and  therefore  all  questions  and 
difficulties  between  churches  and  excluded  members,  are 
to  be  decided  by  councils  of  ministers  and  churches  ap- 
pointed by  the  consent  of  parties ;  and  therefore  a  second 
church  may  receive  an  excluded  member  by  the  advice  of 
a  council  so  called,  if  the  church  excluding  refuses  to  re- 
ceive such  a  member  at  the  advice  of  such  council.' 

The  second  question  asks,  '  Is  it  gospel,  that  a  private 
brother  assist  in  the  ordaining  of  an  Elder,'  &,c.  In  answer- 
ing this  question,  it  was  voted, '  The  ordaining  of  an  Elder, 
or  setting  apart  of  one  to  thejwork  of  the  gospel  ministry,  is 
a  transaction  so  solemn  in  its  nature,  and  so  important  in  its 
consequences,  that  it  would  be  highly  improper  for  a  church 


BOWDO1NHAN  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1848.  251 

belonging  to  this  Association,  to  proceed  in  the  business, 
without  the  concurrence  of  a  suitable  number  of  sister 
churches,  furnished  with  Elders,  whom,  among  other  things, 
have  received  the  solemn  charge,  '  Lay  hands  suddenly  on 
mo  man.' '  This  answer  is  somewhat  indefinite.  But  the 
usual  manner  among  the  Baptists  has  been,  to  examine  can- 
didates by  councils  from  churches  composed  of  members 
and  ministers,  and  assign  the  ceremonies  of  ordination  to 
the  Elders. 

In  1816,  there  was  a  question  of  some  interest  to  the 
Baptists,  proposed  for  the  consideration  and  decision  of  the 
Association.  It  was  this  :  '  Is  that  person's  baptism  valid 
that  has  been  administered  by  an  Elder,  not  agreed  with 
us  in  the  subject  and  mode  of  baptism  V  The  question 
was  referred  to  a  select  committee,  who  reported  in  the 
affirmative.  Doubts  were  entertained  by  some,  of  the  cor- 
rectness of  the  report,  and  the  subject  was  recommitted, 
and  the  committee  was  enlarged  with  instructions  to  report 
at  the  next  anniversary.  Again  they  reported  in  the  affir- 
mative, but  as  the  Baptists  were  not  united  in  opinion,  the 
subject  was  indefinitely  postponed  Two  churches,  Gar- 
diner and  Guilford  ;  and  four  Elders,  Josiah  Houghton, 
Joseph  Blaisdell,  Wm.  Oaks,  and  Samuel  Wheeler,  were 
received  into  the  Association. 

In  1817,  the  Association  was  refreshed  by  revival  intel- 
ligence from  the  churches.  Eight  had  been  blessed  with 
numerous  additions  ;  and  no  particular  trials  were  disturb- 
ing the  peace  of  any  of  the  churches.  The  circular  letter, 
prepared  by  Elder  Boardman,  was  a  most  important  docu- 
ment. It  had  for  its  theme,  '  Qualifications  for  Church 
Membership.'  The  following  three  are  particularly  notic- 
ed :  '  1.  A  scriptural  or  Christian  experience.'  '  2.  Correct 
doctrinal  views,'  (including  the  plan  of  salvation,  ordinan- 
ces and  church  polity).  '3.  A  sober,  regular  outward 
deporUnent,  and  godly  conversation.' 


252  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843. 

The  revivals  of  1817  continued,  and  were  increased  in 
1818.  Measures  were  devised  at  this  meeting  to  raise  funds 
to  aid  the  operations  of  the  Theological  and  Literary  Insti- 
tution at  Waterville.  The  Baptists  felt  a  deep  interest  in 
this  infant  school,  and  commendable  efforts  were  made  by 
the  churches  to  sustain  it.  Rev.  Jeremiah  Chaplin  was 
the  Principal,  whose  character  and  influence  added  to  the 
respectability  of  the  Institution. 

From  the  interest  felt  in  the  institution  at  Waterville, 
the  Association  in  1819  recommended  to  the  churches  to 
contribute  liberally  toward  the  erection  of  a  building  for 
its  accommodation.  The  spirit  of  missions  was  kept  alive, 
and  an  appeal  was  made  to  the  Baptists  to  enlarge  their 
offerings  for  those  objects.  The  circular  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Chapin,  was  upon  the  nice  doctrine  of  Christian  fellow- 
ship. In  his  usual  style,  the  doctrine  in  its  nature  and 
blesed  influences,  were  lucidly  illustrated. 

With  1820,  commenced  a  period  of  general  declension, 
both  in  religious  feeling  and  action.  There  had  been  but 
little  progress  by  the  churches.  The  liberality  and  direct 
missionary  effort  had  been  less  than  in  any  previous  year. 
This  sad  state  of  things  was  deeply  mourned  by  the  Asso- 
ciation. The  following  question  was  proposed  by  the  church 
in  New  Sharon  :  '  If  a  minister  be  regularly  introduced, 
ordained,  and  settled  as  the  pastor  of  a  church,  and  after- 
wards removed  and  recommended  to  another  church,  and 
voted  as  their  pastor,  and  he  consents  to  be  their  pastor,  is 
installation  necessary,  to  give  him  all  the  powers  and  qual- 
ifications of  a  regularly  settled  minister  of  the  gospel  ?'  The 
subject  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  committee,  and  re- 
ferred to  the  next  anniversary. 

At  the  next  meeting,  1821,  the  following  report  was  made 
by  the  committee,  and  adopted  as  the  sense  of  the  Associ- 
ation :  '  That  a  regular  ordained  minister  (so  long  as  his 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843.  253 

character  remains  unimpeached,)  being  invited  to  the  pas- 
toral office  of  a  particular  church,  becomes  their  minister 
and  pastor  as  soon  as  a  mutual  agreement  is  entered  into 
by  the  parties.     An  installation  is  by  no  means  necessary, 
but  by  virtue  of  his  ordination  and  pastoral  office  he  is 
clothed  with  all  the  authority  of  a  minister  of  the  gospel.' 
Another  of  some  interest  was  proposed  at  this  session  by 
the  church  in  Greene.      '  Is  it  the  duty  of  a  church  to 
ordain  their  deacons  V     This  question  was  referred  to  a 
committee  with  instructions  to  report  at  the  next  meeting. 
At  the  Association  in  1822,  the  committee  were  not  pre- 
pared  to   report  a  decision,  but  enlarged  the  subject  by 
substituting  the  following  questions  :  first,  '  What  officers 
are  necessary   to  the  complete  organization  of  a  gospel 
church  ?     Second,  What  are  their  duties,  qualifications  and 
powers?     Third,  in  what  manner  ought  they  to  be  in- 
ducted into  their  respective  offices  ?'     The  subject  was 
then  recommitted  and  referred.     The  subject  of  dividing 
the  Association  was  also  referred. 

In  1823,  the  prospects  of  the  churches  were  more  en- 
couraging ;  and  with  a  revival  spirit,  a  missionary  zeal 
awoke  afresh,  indicated  by  a  greater  liberality.  The  sub- 
ject of  '  ordaining  deacons,'  was  now  called  up.  The  com- 
mittee reported,  but  the  report  was  rejected,  and  the  sub- 
ject dropped.  The  Association  knowing  that  the  ministers 
of  Christ  in  the  State,  generally  toiled  vigilantly  in  his 
cause,  and  receiving  but  small  salaries,  were  obliged  to 
suffer  many  privations  and  inconveniences,  voted  '  to  peti- 
tion the  Legislature  to  exempt  the  ministers  in  the  State 
from  taxation.'  They  felt  that  this  would  afford  them  some 
relief. 

The  hopes  of  the  preceding  year  were  realized  in  1824. 
The  circular  prepared  by  Dr.  Chapin,  and  adopted  by  the 
Association,  was  a  full   and  satisfactory   answer  to  the 
12 


254  BOWDOINHAM   ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843. 

question  proposed  by  the  committee  in  1822,  respecting 
the  ordaining  of  deacons.  The  writer  says  :  '  it  appears 
to  be  scriptural  to  ordain  them  in  the  same  manner  as  El- 
ders.' This  manner,  he  describes  thus,  '  by  fasting,  by 
prayer,  and  by  the  imposition  of  the  hands  of  the  Presby- 
tery.' A  spirit  of  '  working'  was  again  alive  in  the  Asso- 
ciation, and  measures  were  now  adopted  to  ascertain  how 
many  and  what  families  within  its  limits  were  destitute  of 
the  Bible,  with  the  design  of  having  them  supplied. 

In  1825,  to  the  question  from  the  church  in  Chesterville, 
'  Is  it  proper  to  give  the  title  Reverend,  to  ministers  of  the 
gospel  ?'  the  following  answer  was  given,  that  '  ministers  in 
the  New  Testament  are  called  Elders.'  And  on  the  ques- 
tion from  New  Sharon,  '  How  are  our  brethren  in  the 
ministry  to  be  treated  T  it  was  voted  :  '  We  are  not  to  pro- 
ceed upon  the  principle  of  partiality,  but  exert  ourselves 
on  all  occasions  to  promote  the  gifts  of  the  brethren.' 

As  a  large  number  of  churches  now  (1825,)  existed  in 
the  County  of  Penobscot,  it  was  deemed  expedient  that  they 
should  be  organized  into  an  Association.  Nine  churches 
situated  east  of  Kennebec  river,  were  therefore  this  year 
dismissed  from  the  Bowdomham  Association  to  aid  that 
organization.  This  is  the  third  division  made  in  this  body. 

Revivals  in  1826  and  '27,  nearly  restored  the  former 
number  of  this  body  previous  to  the  dismission  of  nine 
churches  to  constitute  the  Penobscot  Association. 

Among  the  items  of  business  in  1828,  were  resolutions 
recommending  to  the  churches  '  Sabbath  Schools  and  Bible 
classes,'  and  '  to  patronize  Zion's  Advocate,  a  new  paper 
about  to  be  established  at  Portland.'  Also,  '  entire  absti- 
nence' from  spirituous  liquors  was  urged  upon  the  whole 
Baptist  community. 

In  1829  the  Association  became  again  too  large  for  con- 
venience. A  division,  therefore,  was  expedient,  and  twenty- 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843.  255 

one  churches  were  dismissed  to  form  the  Kennebec  Associa- 
tion. On  a  question  from  the  church  in  Fayette,  relating 
to  the  support  of  the  ministry,  the  sense  of  the  Association 
was  expressed  by  the  following  vote  : — '  That  in  order  to 
sustain  the  ministry  acceptably  with  God,  and  profitably  to 
the  people,  the  Elders  should  give  themselves  wholly  to  the 
work  ; — that  the  churches  adopt  that  method  which  may 
be  most  suitable  to  their  circumstances,  to  afford  them  a 
competent  support ; — that  in  cases  in  which  churches  are 
unable  singly  to  furnish  such  support,  two  or  more  should 
unite ; — and  the  labors  of  the  Elder  be  proportioned  with 
them  according  to  the  means  of  support  which  each  may 
impart.'  On  the  query  from  Hallowell,  respecting  the  dis- 
mission of  members,  the  following  rule  was  submitted  by 
Elder  Boardman,  and  voted  by  the  Association  as  a  proper 
regulation  for  the  churches  :  '  Let  it  be  understood  that  all 
our  churches,  upon  the  reception  of  members  by  letter, 
are  indispensably  bound  to  make  an  early  return  to  the 
churches  by  which  they  are  recommended,  and  such  mem- 
bers as  do  not  unite  with  the  church  to  which  they  are  re- 
commended, are  by  the  church  to  which  they  belong  to 
be  called  to  discipline  for  such  neglect.' 

Darkness  and  lukewarmness  had  now  long  characterized 
most  of  the  churches.  Yet  the  Association,  in  its  reduced 
capacity,  came  together  in  1830  to  be  refreshed  by  intelli- 
gence that  the  '  Laodicean  spirit'  was  departing  from  them, 
and  that  God  was  blessing  them  with  th6  reviving  influen- 
ces of  his  Spirit.  More  missionary  zeal  was  now  manifest- 
ed. The  Association  was  enlarged  by  numerous  additions 
to  the  churches,  as  fruits  of  pleasing  Vevivals. 

To  the  very  singular  question  from  the  First  church  in 
Gardiner,  '  What  shall  be  done  with  members  who  have 
withdrawn  their  fellowship  from  a  Baptist  church,  and 
joined  the  Methodist?'  this  very  pertinent  answer  was 


256  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  ISO*— 1843. 

given,  by  a  vote  of  the  Association  :  '  When  a  member  has 
left  the  church  and  united  with  another  denomination,  he 
is  to  be  regarded  in  the  same  light  as  the  denomination 
with  which  he  has  united  :  and  if  the  church  desires  fur- 
ther information,  it  would  be  proper  for  them  to  call  for  the 
advice  of  sister  churches.' 

In  1831  two  resolutions,  touching  the  removal  and  dis- 
mission of  members  were  passed,  as  additional  to  the  rule 
adopted  in  1829.  For  these  resolutions  the  Bowdoinham 
Association  is  indebted  to  the  Eastern  Maine,  where  they 
originated.  Resolved, '  That  when  any  member  or  mem- 
bers of  either  of  the  churches  in  this  Association,  shall  re- 
move their  residence,  and  become  located  within  the  limits 
of  a  sister  church,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  church  to 
which  such  member  or  members  belong,  to  write  immedi- 
ately to  the  church  where  they  reside,  and  such  letters 
shall  embrace  a  dismission  of  the  member  or  members  re- 
moved, an  account  of  their  standing,  and  a  direction  to  the 
sister  church  to  take  them  under  her  watch-care,  to  exhort 
them  to  their  duty,  and  if  free  to  receive  them,  to  extend 
to  them  the  hand  of  fellowship.'  Resolved,  '  That  when 
any  church  in  this  Association  shall  have  received  a  mem- 
ber by  letter  from  a  sister  church,  or  when  such  member  or 
members  have  been  called  upon  as  contemplated  in  the 
above  resolution,  without  obtaining  satisfaction,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  that  church  to  report  the  same  immediately  to 
the  church  of  which  they  are  members.' 

The  anniversary  in  1832  is  reported  to  have  been  an  un- 
usually interesting  meeting,  by  the  lively  manifestation  of 
union  and  brotherly*  love.  Much  interest  was  felt  in  a 
question  proposed  by  the  church  in  Winthrop.  It  was 
founded  upon  the  important  phrase  in  the  Baptist  covenant: 
'  We  covenant  that  we  will  cheerfully  bear  our  equal  pro- 
portion of  those  expenses  which  the  church  may  judge 


KOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843.  357 

needful  for  the  relief  of  the  poor,  the  support  of  the  min- 
istry, and  other  necessary  charges  of  the  church.'  The 
question  proposed  was,  '  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God 
to  execute  the  above  obligation  by  making  an  assessment 
or  tax  upon  the  male  members  of  the  church  according  to 
their  polls  and  property  ?'  Respecting  which  the  following 
answer  was  submitted  by  Rev.  Daniel  Merrill,  and  unani- 
mously voted  by  the  Association  :  'That  it  is  in  agreement 
with  the  revealed  mind  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  when  any 
part  of  his  property,  which  is  in  the  possession  of  any  one 
of  his  churches,  is  called  for  to  promote  his  cause  in  any 
such  church,  then  it  is  right  and  fit  that  the  sum  wanted 
should  be  apportioned  upon  all  the  polls  and  property  with- 
in such  church,  unless  the  church  may  agree  upon  some 
other  method,  more  pleasing  to  them,  by  which  to  effect 
the  desired  object.' 

In  1833  great  darkness  and  spiritual  declension  prevail- 
ed ;  but  in  1834  indications  that  God  was  about  to  turn 
again  their  captivity,  appeared.  A  more  general  interest 
was  manifested  in  the  cause  of  God  and  humanity ;  and 
resolutions  were  adopted  against  Slavery,  and  in  favor  of 
Sabbath  Schools,  Temperance,  Education,  Literary  Insti- 
tutions, Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions,  and  Tracts. 
Slavery  and  Intemperance  were  regarded  as  great,  social, 
moral,  physical  and  political  evils. 

The  Association  was  favored  in  1835,  with  the  presence, 
counsel,  and  preaching  of  Rev.  J.  A.  Warne,  from  Massa- 
chusetts ;  Rev.  E.  Manning,  from  Nova  Scotia,  and  Rev 
T.  Magee,  from  New  Brunswick.  Earnest  solicitations 
for  aid  were  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Magee,  in  behalf  of  a  Bap- 
tist Seminary  in  New  Brunswick ;  to  which  the  Associa- 
tion cheerfully  responded  by  a  liberal  contribution  to  aid 
their  brethren  in  that  Province.  In  addition  to  the  repeti- 
tion of  the  resolutions  passed  last  year,  the  subject  of 


258  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843. 

Popery  in  the  United  States  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
Association,  and  a  resolution  was  adopted  setting  forth  the 
'  danger  to  our  civil  and  religious  liberties  arising  from 
the  prevalency  of  the  papal  religion  in  this  country.' 

The  Baptists  have  always  had  much  slander  and  abuse 
poured  upon  them  because  of  their  faith  and  practice  as 
regards  the  communion  at  the  Lord's  table ;  and  yet  they 
are  firm  in  their  opinion.  At  this  meeting  the  question* 
'  Should  the  churches  receive  persons  from  other  denom- 
inations to  their  communion  tables?'  was  discussed  by 
Elders  Warne,  Manning,  Butler,  Fogg,  Pierce  and  Case, 
and  the  Association  voted  the  following  important  decision. 
'  Voted,  That  the  Association  recommend  to  the  churches 
composing  this  body  to  discountenance  the  practice  of  ad- 
mitting to  the  communion  of  the  church  individuals  who 
belong  to  other  denominations ;  but  at  the  same  time  to 
cherish  towards  them  the  best  feelings  of  Christian  affec- 
tion.' [The  class  of  persons  which  it  is  here  implied  had 
been  received  to  the  communion  of  some  of  the  churches, 
were  such  as  had  been  immersed,  yet  united  with  other 
denominations.] 

In  1836  the  spiritual  prospects  of  the  Association  began 
again  to  assume  a  more  pleasing  aspect.  Several  interest- 
ing revivals  were  enjoyed.  Elders  Thomas  Francis  and 
Charles  Johnson,  who  had  departed  this  life  M'ithin  the 
year,  received  an  appropriate  and  interesting  notice. 

A  spirit  of  religious  enterprise  was  increased  in  1837. 
Hence  a  more  coming  up  '  to  the  help  of  the  Lord,'  was 
witnessed  among  the  churches,  and  some  cheering  revivals 
had  been  experienced.  Besides  the  transacting  of  the 
usual  business,  a  resolution  was  passed  approving  of  the 
formation  and  design  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,  and  commending  it  to  the  prayers  and  liberal  at- 
tention of  the  churches.  The  idea  of  such  a  society  was 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  1804—1843.  359 

wholly  unknown  to  our  Baptist  fathers.  But  circumstances 
extraordinary  awakened  the  idea,  and  prompted  the  organ- 
ization. 

The  intelligence  from  many  of  the  churches  in  1838  was 
truly  encouraging  to  the  Association.  Says  Elder  Grant, 
the  Secretary,  '  the  brethren  felt  they  were  one  in  name, 
one  in  design,  and  one  in  effort.' 

But  the  revivals  of  '38  were  suddenly  succeeded  by  an 
alarming  declension.  In  '39,  not  a  single  revival  was  re- 
ported. Nor  was  there  any  new  church  asking  admission. 
A  respectful  notice  was  taken  of  Elders  Cole  and  Garcelon, 
who  had  been  removed  by  death  within  this  Associational 
year. 

The  dark  cloud  which  veiled  the  beauty  and  chilled  the 
ardour  of  the  Baptists  in  1839,  disappeared  in  1840.  The 
Sun  of  Righteousness  shone  forth  with  heavenly  radiance, 
shed  down  his  quickening  beams,  and  made  his  people  sit 
together  in  heavenly  places.  These  were  primitive  days 
to  these  churches.  Four  hundred  and  thirty-five  were 
added  to  the  Association  during  the  year,  as  the  direct 
fruits  of  extensive  revivals.  This  was  therefore  a  season 
for  joy  and  thankfulness.  But  in  the  midst  of  this  joyous 
festival,  a  circumstance  occurred  which  awakened  in  the 
minds,  especially  of  the  fathers,  solemn  and  painful  emo- 
tions. The  Bowdoinham  church,  the  first,  the  oldest 
church  in  this  part  of  the  State,  was  now  dropped  from 
the  Association  on  account  of  its  non-fellowship  with  the 
body.  It  became  Antinomian,  and  opposed  the  operations 
of  the  denomination  to  promote  the  general  objects  of 
Christianity. 

The  scene  is  again  changed  in  1841.  The  plentiful 
harvest  was  gathered,  and  a  cold,  winter  season  was  rapidly 
closing  in  upon  the  churches.  There  were  but  few  additions 
to  the  Association  this  year,  and  these  appear  to  be  the 


260  BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION,  180i— 1843. 

gleanings  only  of  the  last  year's  vintage.  Several  resolu- 
tions were  passed,  and  much  important  business  relating 
to  the  general  interests  of  the  denomination  was  transacted. 
The  second  church  in  Hallowell  received  the  unanimous 
censure  of  the  brethren  for  receiving  into  their  fellowship 
members  excluded  from  the  first  church  in  that  town. 

Some  mercy  drops  descended  in  1842  to  refresh  the 
thirsty  heritage,  and  to  give  new  life  and  vigor  to  the  almost 
withered  vines.  Another  of  the  fathers,  Elder  Oliver  Bil- 
linge,  had  fallen  asleep,  the  intelligence  of  whose  death 
called  forth  an  appropriate  expression  of  sympathy  and 
respect.  It  was  felt  on  this  occasion  that  the  Sabbath 
School  institution  was  too  generally  neglected,  and  the 
subject  was  earnestly  pressed  upon  the  consideration  of 
the  churches. 

In  1843,  on  this  fifty-seventh  anniversary  season  of  the 
Association,  the  usual  list  of  resolutions  were  dispensed 
with,  and  the  churches  were  exhorted  '  to  labor  more  un- 
tiringly to  promote  every  branch  of  benevolence,  as  God 
shall  give  us  ability  and  afford  us  opportunity.' 

The  churches,  second  Litchfield  and  second  Leeds  were 
received  at  this  meeting,  and  the  general  prospects  of  this 
ancient  body  of  Baptists  were  encouraging.  It  numbered 
thirty-one  churches,  thirty-three  ordained  ministers,  five 
licentiates,  and  two  thousand  three  and  thirty-one  commu- 
nicants. It  is  the  parent  of  Lincoln,  Cumberland  and 
Kennebec  Associations.  Also,  of  a  large  number  of  the 
churches  which  compose  the  Waldo,  Penobscot,  Piscata- 
quis  and  Oxford,  were  once  members  of  this  body.  It  is 
a  very  influential  body  of  Baptists,  whose  progress  is  on- 
ward. New  churches  are  almost  annually  arising  in  the 
midst  of  these  old  ones,  as  new  shoots  from  the  older  vines. 


BOWDOINHAM   ASSOCIATION. 


261 


BOWDOINHAM  ASSOCIATION...TABULAR  VIEW. 


33  r   7, 

0 

rt  c  a 

r  0    ^ 

7 

ORGANIZED  1788. 

if  c 

a 

q' 

o>     a      re 

"2.    ~    £. 

5      **       — 

3_ 

•3    2  ° 

1    1 

S  s.  ? 

r*   3     9_ 

o 

n 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

n 

0 

5j 

9 

n 

m 

a 

'    1 

—         — 

^    2 
.    p 

2 

0 

1st  Bowdoin, 

78838301 

o      t 

2  130  120  63 

21      |359 

25 

Lewiston, 

792 

55232 

15    < 

I    98 

7841 

17       308 

42 

Readfield, 

792 

20 

363 

35 

3  241 

3969 

420 

71 

Fayette, 

1792 

1.} 

421 

37 

3  129 

7468 

53       487 

147 

Greene. 

1793 

27 

432 

36  1 

1  158  101  68 

13       495 

166 

Wayne, 

1794 

11 

143 

34 

1    58    2425    1 

16       188 

60 

2d  VVebster  (reorg.  in  1836) 
1st  Litchfield, 

1794 
1798 

20 
14 

198 
351 

24  1 
21 

0    99    4426 
3  107!  99  74  14 

40       252 
44       386 

43 
96 

Wales, 

1799 

233 

28 

7    92 

3536 

238 

79 

Jay, 

1799 

14 

324 

282 

1    74 

14338 

39       370 

98 

Leeds, 

1800 

If) 

235 

47 

5    89 

6535    1 

292 

107 

2d  Bowdoin, 

1805 

2-3 

309 

34  1 

01158 

7343 

16367 

120 

1st  Hallowell, 

1807 

-•><) 

279 

100  1 

2    83 

6545  13 

24       408 

180 

1st  VVebster, 

1808 

13 

110 

19 

9    36 

25  19 

19       148 

52 

-3d  Livermore, 

1812 

37 

128 

35 

8    76 

5123 

12200 

70 

Topsham, 

1815 

8 

345 

54 

7  125 

4626 

2       407 

214 

1st  Gardiner, 

1815 

16 

146 

28 

8    33 

26  14 

3  190 

128 

2d  Gardiner. 

1820 

151  40 

16 

1    15 

5  12 

2    71 

40 

East  Dixfield, 

1831 

12!  21 

10 

6    3 

6         43 

28 

Bowdoinham  Vil. 

1820 

27 

68 

25 

3    14 

11  18 

11       120 

69 

Winthrop, 

1824 

.50 

114 

106 

3    52 

3022 

8       250 

128 

1st  Monmouth, 

1827  15 

115 

24 

30 

10    4 

154 

110 

2d  Hallowell, 

183021 

8 

14 

8 

j 

1    43 

33 

3d  Gardiner, 

183430 

40 

4    18 

14    3 

1    79 

49 

So.  Ch.  Bowdoin, 

1836 

221     5 

7 

2 

2    2 

34 

28 

Richmond, 

1834 

8 

56 

18 

12 

11    7 

75 

45 

East  Monmouth, 

1837 

7 

39 

6 

4 

4 

45 

37 

Pitts  ton, 

1840 

i; 

1 

f  i1 

16 

15 

2d  Litchfield, 

1845 

2. 

5 

1 

28 

28 

Monmouth  Centre, 

1842 

| 

1 

1C 

10 

2d  Leeds, 

184J 

2' 

' 

2 

34 

34 

i 

c 

'1 

1 

O     C*9 

s  if8 

!  ft  &  2 

1 

BOWDOIN  SOUTH  CHURCH.  It  was  constituted  in  July 
1836,  and  in  Sept.  had  twenty-two  members.  It  is  the 
privilege  of  this  church  to  claim  a  standing  on  '  Baptist 
ground ;'  their  meeting-house  being  located  on  the  parcel 
ofland,  once  occupied  by  Eld.  Potter  ;  yet  they  have  never 
had  much  preaching  or  much  prosperity.  In  1843,  their 
number  was  forty-eight. 
12* 


CHAPTER  XV. 

CHURCHES  IN  LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION. 

Histories  of  its  sixteen  original  Churches  have  been  given,  Thomaston,  jv 
95;  Vassalboro',  p.  109;  Ballstown,  p.  114;  Miscongus  Isle,  p.  135; 
St.  George,  p.  186 ;  Nobleboro',  139;  Hope,  p.  145;  Harlem,  p.  150. 
Woolwich,  p.  165;  Medumcook,  p.  166;  Warren,  p.  168;  Fairfax,  p. 
176  ;  Mt.  Ephraim,  p.  177;  Islesboro',  p.  188;  Vinalhaven,p.  189;  Bow- 
doinham,p.  93. 

Palermo  ana  Beaver  Hill ;  First  Sedgwick  ;  Unity,  now  Knox  ;  Columbia  ; 
First  Bluehill ;  Northport,  a  temporary  Church ;  First  Montville;  Carmel; 
Surry ;  First  Jefferson  ;  Second  Jefferson  ;  Matinicus  ;  Deer  Island  ; 
Stetson,  a  temporary  Church  ;  Camden,  First  and  Second  Church  ;  Union, 
first  called  Second  Hope;  Second  Palermo;  First  Belfast;  Dixmont; 
Cherryfield ;  Steuben ;  First  Trenton;  Sullivan;  Charleston;  Belmont; 
Castine ;  Freedom ;  Second  Montville ;  Isle  au  Haut ;  Second  Thomaston ; 
Second  Sedgwick ;  Brooksville  ;  Second  Brooksville  ;  Mount  Desert ; 
Monroe  ;  Appleton ;  Second  St  George  ;  Eden  ;  Prospect ;  Second 
Nobleboro' ;  Bangor ;  Windsor ;  New  Castle  and  Alna ;  Waldo ;  Dover  ; 
Wiscasset ;  Corinth ;  Waldoboro' ;  Atkinson  and  Milton ;  Third  Jefferson  ; 
Searsmont ;  Third  Whitefield  ;  North  Whitefield ;  Richmond ;  Patrick- 
town  Plantation  ;  Washington ;  Third  Nobleboro' ;  First  West  Thom- 
aston; Damariscotla  Mills ;  Cushing;  Third  Camden ;  Third  St.  George. 

PALERMO  AND  BEAVER-HILL.  A  church  was  consti- 
tuted as  early  as  1805,  composed  of  members  residing 
in  the  north  part  of  Palermo,  and  in  a  settlement  called 
'Beaver-Hill,'  now  'Freedom.'  Baptists  had  been 
multiplying  in  places  contiguous  for  several  years. 
Among  them  were  several  ministers  raised  up  to  go 
forth  into  the  new  settlements,  to  evangelize  the  growing 
population-  Rev.  Nathaniel  Robinson,  from  Meredith, 
N.  H.,  became  their  pastor  soon  after  they  were  organ- 
ized. He  labored  successfully  in  this  field,  till  he  re- 
moved to  Cherryfield,  in  1810.  Its  next  pastor,  Elder 
Jesse  Martin,  officiated  with  zeal  and  profit,  from  1813 
to  1817.  He  left  to  benefit  another  people  with  his 
vigilant  labors.  This  church  was  next  honored  with  the 
ministry  and  pastoral  attentions  of  Elder  Stephen  Dex- 
ter, from  1820,  two  years,  and  was  blessed  with  some 
revival  and  increase.  Elder  William  Bowler,  their 
present  pastor,  has  been  useful  in  the  church  at  different 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN   SfiDGWICK.  263 

periods— from  1825  to  1832,  and  from  1841  to  the 
present.  Rev.  I.  S.  Smith  was  their  teacher  and  guide 
from  1837  to  1840,  and  by  his  ministry  God  made  some 
additions  to  their  numbers.  This  church  has,  however, 
never  been  blessed  with  extensive  revivals,  nor  with 
more  than  a  small  net  annual  increase.  Their  pros- 
perity has  sometimes  been  retarded  by  want  of  harmony 
among  the  members.  Yet  it  has  yielded  two  branches, 
the  second  church  in  Palermo  and  one  in  Freedom.* 
Their  present  number  is  forty-six. 

SEDGWICK  FIRST  CHURCH.  In  1793  a  Congregational 
church  of  twenty-two  members  was  constituted  in  Sedg- 
wick.  The  same  year,  Rev.  Daniel  Merrill,  who  had 
been  preaching  two  years  as  the  town's  minister,  and 
who  was  the  founder  of  this  church,  was  ordained  its 
pastor."]"  Under  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  this 
zealous  working  man  of  God,  this  church  prospered 
several  years,  and  being  blessed  of  God  with  several 
special  and  wide  spreading  revivals,  its  numerical 
strength,  at  the  beginning  of  1805,  was  greater  than 
that  of  any  other  community  of  disciples  in  the  State. 
It  had  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-nine  members. 
A  large  number  of  these  disciples,  with  Mr.  Merrill 
their  leader,  renounced  Pedo-baptism,  and  became 
Baptists,  and  on  the  14th  of  May,  1805,  were  regularly 
constituted  into  a  church  of  Christ  upon  the  New  Tes- 
tament platform,  and  Elder  Merrill,  by  the  same  council, 
and  on  the  same  day,  was  recognized  by  ordination  as 
the  pastor.! 

This  singular  change,  as  might  be  expected,  awakened 
excitement  and  produced  a  variety  of  feelings  and  re- 
marks in  the  community.  The  Baptists  rejoiced,  not 
as  worldly  victors,  but  in  this  glorious  triumph  of  gos- 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  A.    iGreen.  Ecfcl.  his.  p.  ICO.  tCh.  Rec.  cit.  D.  Nutter. 


264  FIRST  CHCRCH  IN  SEDGWICK. 

pel  truth  over  human  tradition;  and  the  Congregation- 
alists  mourned  the  misfortune  of  their  hitherto  beloved 
Merrill,  and  of  his  church.  As  regards  the  causes  of 
this  change,  much  has  been  written,  and  much  more 
has  been  said.  Some  supposed  that  it  was  owing  to  a 
lax  discipline;  some,  to  the  influence  of  Baptist  preach- 
ers who  were  permitted  to  visit  and  preach  among  the 
people;  and  others,  to  both  these  circumstances  com- 
bined. But  facts  show  that  such  suppositions  were  but 
ill-founded  conjectures. 

There  was  great  caution,  wisdom  and  firmness  main- 
tained by  Mr.  Merrill  in  the  discipline  of  that  church. 
The  first  signs  of  disease  engaged  his  most  prompt  en- 
deavors to  effect  a  cure.  Nor  was  he  less  vigilant  to 
remove  any  dissatisfaction  which  he  might  discover  in 
any  mind  as  regarded  that  peculiarity  of  his  faith,  "Pe- 
do-baptism."  To  illustrate  the  attachment  of  Mr.  Mer- 
rill to  his  own  peculiar  views,  and  the  anxiety  he  felt 
for  any  of  his  flock  who  might  be  inquiring  in  a  different 
direction,  we  shall  here  introduce  some  circumstances 
which  are  regarded  as  among  the  preliminaries  to  this 
change. 

Mr.  R.  Allen,  one  of  the  first  converts  under  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Merrill,  'never  felt  satisfied  with  infant 
sprinkling.'  Mr.  Merrill  was  informed  of  the  dissatis- 
faction of  Mr.  Allen;  whereupon  he  had  several  con- 
versations with  him,  in  which  he  labored  earnestly  to 
convince  him  of  'its  importance  and  Divine  authority.' 
It  however  remained  still  to  Mr.  Allen  an  unmeaning 
and  an  unscriptural  practice.  The  contagion,  as  it  was 
viewed,  began  to  send  its  influence  over  other  minds. 
Deacon  S.  Herrick,  Mr.  Amos  Allen  and  others,  soon 
revealed  their  dissenting  feelings.  Mr.  Merrill  was  at 
this  time  diligent  to  arrest  the  schismatic  spirit.  Yet  the 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  SEDGWICK.  265 

number  opposed  to  infant  sprinkling  rapidly  increased, 
so  that  a  separation  in  the  church  was  feared.  To  pre- 
vent this,  the  very  singular  expedient  was  adopted,  of 
so  altering  their  Confession  of  Faith,  as  to  make  their 
dissenting  views  no  valid  objection  to  communion.* 
This  expedient  prevented  a  separation,  but  not  enquiries 
and  altercations. 

How  much  influence  Baptist  preachers  may  have  ex- 
erted among  this  people,  it  is  not  easy  to  determine. 
The  members  who  dissented  from  Pedo-baptism  tell  us 
with  one  voice  '  that  the  Bible  first  taught  them  the 
errors  of  the  doctrine.'  Mr.  Merrill  had  no  predilec- 
tion for  Baptists.  He  says,  in  his  autobiography,  page 
2:  'From  my  earliest  childhood  to  the  commencement 
of  my  literary  course,  I  had  never,  to  my  knowledge, 
seen  more  than  one  Baptist  minister,  nor  heard  any 
commend  the  peculiar  tenets  of  the  Baptists;  but  had 
frequently  heard  them  spoken  against  with  visible  dis- 
pleasure. I  early  conceived  and  for  a  considerable 
time  retained  an  opinion  of  the  Baptists,  not  favorable 
to  their  persons,  their  sentiments,  or  their  practices.' 
But  as  he  became  more  acquainted  with  them  he  says: 
'Their  apparent  piety,  and  the  manifest  honesty  with 
which  they  adhered  to  their  sentiments,  mellowed  my 
asperity.'  Being  intimate  with  several  of  their  minis- 
ters, and  having  strong  affection  for  them,  he  says,  'he 
desired  a  union  with  them,  not  by  turning  to  them,  but 
by  their  turning  from  their  errors.'  He  conversed,  he 
preached,  he  wrote,  to  secure  what  he  desired;  but, 
failing,  he  resolved  to  write  a  book,  to  convince  the 
Baptists  of  their  errors,  and  to  relieve  his  church  from 
a  perplexing  uneasiness.  These  were  important  objects 
to  be  gained,  and  he  determined  to  gain  them  by  the 
power  of  scriptural  evidence  and  argument. 

*Com.  by  Elds.  Natter  and  Case. 


266  FIRST  CHURCH  IN   SEDGWICK. 

He  says:  CI  gave  myself  with  a  degree  of  decision 
to  a  careful  and  critical  review  of  the  sacred  oracles  of 
God.  I  contemplated  day  and  night,  perused  the  sacred 
volume  from  Genesis  to  Revelation.  I  searched,  and 
renewed  my  anxious  search  for  more  than  two  years. 
My  pain  became  severe.  To  my  great  disappointment 
and  extreme  regret,  I  was  driven  to  the  then  very  sor- 
rowful conclusion  that  the  sacred  scriptures  did  not 
afford  clear  and  direct  evidence  to  support  my  own 
practice.' 

Now  came  a  peculiar  trial.  Several  children  were 
presented  for  baptism.  But  Mr.  Merrill  refused  to  per- 
form the  ceremony,  alleging  for  his  reasons,  'As God 
has  refused  to  me  the  light  of  evidence  in  favor  of  this 
rite,  I  refuse  to  administer  it.'  This  occasioned  joy  to 
some  of  his  church,  but  grief  and  dissatisfaction  to 
others.  The  discomfit  with  which  he  had  met,  so  dis- 
tressed him,  he  was  induced  to  reveal  his  convictions 
and  trials  to  his  worthy  deacon,  S.  Herrick,  who  was 
ready  to  sympathize  with  him,  being  himself  also  an 
inquirer  after  truth.  It  was  resolved  to  spend  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer  before  the  Lord,  'that  they  might 
not  renounce  their  practice  if  it  was  in  agreement  with 
his  truth;  and  that  they  might  not  reject  the  sentiments 
of  the  Baptists,  provided  they  were  in  accordance  with 
his  will.'  The  day  passed,  and  says  Mr.  Merrill,  'I 
was  in  extreme  darkness — in  darkness  sensibly  to  be 
felt.'  For  several  months  his  conflict  was  severe.  At 
length  the  Lord  removed  the  cloud,  and  holy  light  filled 
his  mind;  he  saw  clearly,  and  found  peace.  He  was 
now  a  Baptist.  With  zeal,  with  ability,  with  firmness, 
and  aided  by  the  light  of  truth,  he  entered  immediately 
upon  a  defence  of  Believer's  Baptism,  as  the  true  and 
only  gospel  rite.  »oJ  a, 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  SEDGWICK.  267 

Trials  did  not  end  here.  Opposition  from  without 
now  lifted  her  dark  visage.  Great  efforts  were  made 
to  deprive  Mr.  Merrill  of  his  salary  as  the  minister  of 
the  town,  and  reject  him  from  the  pulpit  of  the  town's 
meeting-house,  by  a  vote  of  the  inhabitants,  for  the 
simple  reason  that  he  had  become  a  Baptist.  But  here 
opposition  was  by  a  large  majority  of  votes  defeated, 
and  Mr.  Merrill  was  received  as  the  town's  minister 
upon  the  Baptist  platform. 

The  next  important  business  to  be  done  was  to  change 
the  name  and  character  of  the  church.  On  the  28th  of 
February,  1805,  after  prayerfully  deliberating  the  duty, 
it  was  resolved  to  invite  a  council  of  Baptist  ministers 
and  churches,  forthe  purposes  of  baptizing  and  embody- 
ing them  into  a  Baptist  church.  This  was  done  by  the 
following  council:  Elders  Pitman  of  Providence,  Bald- 
win of  Boston,  Williams  of  Beverly,  Case  of  Readfield, 
Snow  of  Thomaston,  and  Cummings  of  Vinalhaven, 
besides  several  lay  brethren.  The  candidates,  eighty- 
five  in  number,  were  baptized  by  Baldwin  and  Williams, 
where  was  'much  water;'  sixty-six  of  them  at  one  time, 
in  forty-two  minutes,  and  nineteen  others  the  next  day, 
when  they  were  organized  into  a  church,  and  Elder 
Case  gave  them  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.* 

The  church  now  constituted,  with  Mr.  Merrill  their 
able  pastor,  began  to  move  forward,  and  in  less  than 
three  months  sixty  more  of  the  remaining  disciples  were 
baptized  and  added  to  the  church;  and  in  about  a  year 
twenty-five  more.  This  was  a  light  in  the  midst  of 
darkness,  shedding  its  spiritual  radiance  around  the 
path  of  those  who  were  enquiring  for  the  true  way  to 
Zion.  Being  the  first  Baptist  church  in  this  region,  it 
became  a  centre  of  attraction  to  those  who  were  Bap- 

*For  a  description  of  these  proceedings  in  detail,  see  Bap.  Mis.  Mag. 


268  CHURCH  IN  UNITY. 

tists  in  the  surrounding  country.  Many  of  the  original 
members  of  the  churches,  First  and  Second  Bluehill, 
Deer  Isle,  Brooksville,  Penobscot,  Second  Sedgwick, 
and  North  Sedgwick,  were  from  this  church.  It  has 
also  yielded  much  ministerial  fruit,  as  Rev.  P.  Pilsbury, 
Rev.  N.  Norton,  Rev.  Amos  Allen,  Rev.  Michael  Carle- 
ton,  Rev.  H.  Hale,  Rev.  Moses  Merrill,  (son  of  Rev. 
D.  Merrill,)  Rev.  Thomas  Merrill,  and  Rev.  Daniel 
Dodge. 

Rev.  Mr.  Merrill  resigned  the  pastoral  care  in  1814. 
The  same  year,  Mr.  EbenezerPinkham  began  to  preach 
among  them,  and  in   1815  received  by  ordination  the 
pastoral  charge,  which  he  held  with  eminent  usefulness 
till  1820.     In  1816,  one  hundred  and  forty  were   added 
to  the  church  by  baptism,  as  the  fruits  of  a  revival.    In 
1821,  Rev.  Mr.  Merrill  returns  from  New  Hampshire, 
and  again  became  pastor,   to  the  joy  of  the  church, 
and   in    1822    another   wonderful  refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  brought  into  this  fold  about  one 
hundred  more.     Rev.  Ebenezer  Mirick  was  pastor  from 
1829  to  1834,  and  some  prosperity  attended  his  ministry. 
An  interval  of  about  a  year  and  a  half  was  now  filled 
by  the  able  ministry  of  the  late  Rev.  E.  W. -Garrison. 
In  1836,  their  present  pastor,  Rev.  David   Nutter,  en- 
tered upon  his  labors  with  the  church.     In  1838,  more 
than  one  hundred  souls  were  added  to  the  church,  as 
the  fruitful  harvest  of  the  preached  gospel,  by  the  Spirit. 
This  is  a  flourishing,  enterprising,  and  able  church,  of 
two  hundred  and  sixty  members.* 

UNITY,  now  KNOX.  This  church  was  gathered  in 
1800,  in  the  now  town  of  Knox,  probably  by  the  labors 
of  its  present  senior  and  venerable  pastor,  Elder  Isaac 
Hall,  then  a  licentiate.  He  was  ordained  its  pastor  in 

*\Ve  are  indebted  lo  Rev.  D.  N.,  for  much  information  respecting  this  Ch. 


CHURCH  IN  COLUMBIA.  269 

1806.  It  had  a  gradual  increase  for  several  years.  In 
1819,  there  was  some  revival  which  raised  its  standard 
of  influence,  and  promoted  its  efficiency.  Since  that 
time  it  has  borne  the  name  of  Knox.  In  1832,  the 
church  was  again  enlarged  by  a  few  additions.  In  1833, 
Rev.  Eliab  Coy  became  an  associate  pastor,  and  the 
church  moved  on  pleasantly  under  his  labors  about  two 
years.  The  church  and  pastor  were  assisted  in  1835 
by  E.  J.  White,  a  licentiate.  A  revival  was  enjoyed, 
and  in  1836  Mr.  White  was  ordained  associate  pastor. 
Elder  E.  H.  Emery  occupied  this  field  from  1837  to 
1841;  J.  H.  Meivin,  from  1842  till  his  death  in  1843; 
and  A.  Dunbar  since  1843.  During  the  ministry  of 
these  servants  of  God  the  church  has  flourished,  and  in 
1843  was  blessed  with  a  revival,  and  Father  Hall  still 
lives  to  see  its  progress.*  Its  present  number  is  ninety- 
seven.  This  church  has  never  advanced  without  oppo- 
sition. 

COLUMBIA,  (first  called  'COLUMBIA  AND  ADDISON.') 
This  ancient  church  was  gathered  in  1788,  and  was  the 
first  Baptist  church  embodied  east  of  Penobscot  river. 
Its  early  records  being  imperfect,  and  most  of  the  origi- 
nal members  having  gone  to  their  rest,  much  of  their 
early  history  remains  in  obscurity.  It  appears  that  at 
first  the  settlers  had  comparatively  no  gospel  privileges. 
Travelling  preachers  were  here  but  seldom,  and  conse- 
quently wickedness  found  but  few  restraints.  The  first 
visible  religious  awakenings  took  place  under  the  preach- 
ing of  a  Mr.  Whitney,  a  Free-will  Baptist.  Several 
persons  professed  piety,  and  the  character  of  the  people 
considerably  improved.  This  was  in  1785.  Arminian- 
ism  found  in  this  people  a  genial  soil,  in  which  it  flour- 
ished. Religious  errors  became  prevalent,  and  a  ve- 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


270  CHURCH  IN  COLUMBIA.1 

hement  zeal  characterized  their  influence.  About  this 
time  Rev.  Elisha  Snow,  under  the  influence  of  a  pious 
and  zealous  Predestinarian  faith,  performed  several  vol- 
untary missions  through  the  new  settlements  along  this 
eastern  coast  of  the  State.  In  1788  he  visited  Colum- 
bia. He  preached  the  gospel  to  them;  light  celestial 
dispelled  the  darkness  from  many  minds;  the  doctrines 
of  grace  supplanted  their  works  of  righteousness,  and 
many  became  converts  to  the  gospel  as  preached  by 
Elder  Snow.  And  by  their  request  he  embodied  them 
into  a  regular  church.*  And  although  favored  with  but 
little  preaching  for  many  years,  and  in  the  midst  of 
various  modes  of  opposition,  they  lived  in  union  and 
love,  and  prospered.  This  'New  Light,'  a  name  given 
by  opposition,  shone  alone  for  several  years.  Since, 
its  own  offsprings  have  been  its  spiritual  companions. 

From  1794  to  1797,  Rev.  Joshua  Young  labored  in 
the  gospel  with  them  as  their  pastor.  Mr.  Young  found 
himself  in  the  centre  of  a  vast  community,  comprising 
several  settlements  entirely  destitute  of  the  gospel. 
Among  these  he  labored  most  assiduously.  Nor  was 
his  efforts  in  vain.  God  blessed  them.  In  1796  a  gen- 
eral revival  was  experienced  in  Columbia  and  Addison, 
and  was  extended  into  other  places.  The  fruits  of  this 
work  laid  the  foundation  for  the  churches,  First  and 
Second  Addison,  and  Cherryfield,  and  Steuben.  The 
last  two  were  constituted  the  same  year.  This  year 
also,  Mr.  Murphy  became  a  member  by  letter,  and  re- 
ceiving a  license  to  preach,  was  a  useful  coadjutor  with 
Mr.  Young  Now  commenced  a  train  of  circumstances 
adverse  in  their  influence.  In  1797,  Mr.  Young  and 
Mr.  Murphy  closed  their  labors  in  Columbia,  and  for  a 
period  of  seventeen  years  the  church  had  no  pastor. 
*Ch.  Records. 


CHURCH  IN  COLUMBIA.  271 

In  1799,  a  Methodist  preacher  came  among  them,  who 
scattered  the  seeds  of  contention,  the  fruits  of  which 
were,  much  wrangling  and  disputing  about  the  doctrines 
'Divine  efficiency,5  'election,'  and  'final  perseverance.' 
In  their  extremity  Elder  Case  visited  them,  and  with 
the  skill  of  a  wise  peace-maker,  he  allayed  the  strife, 
and  placed  things  again  on  their  proper  basis. 

In  1805  and  1806,  Elder  H.  Hale  was  made  wise  to 
win  souls  to  Christ  among  them,  and  in  the  contiguous 
settlements;  and  in  1806,  a  visit  and  the  preaching  of 
Elder  Case  promoted  the  work  already  in  progress. 
The  church  was  now  enlarged. 

From  1814  to  1818,  the  church  was  blessed  and  in- 
creased by  the  ministry,  under  God,  of  Rev.  Benjamin 
Lord;  and  in  1817,  another  extensive  revival  blessed 
the  community,  and  the  church  'Second  Addison'  was 
constituted.  1819  was  a  year  filled  with  darkness,  di- 
vision, and  painful  trials.  Elder  McMasters,  who  was 
their  minister,  labored  in  vain  to  restrain  the  raging 
elements.  Two  parties,  claiming  to  be  the  church, 
existed,  and  each  reported  itself  to  the  Association  as 
such.  A  committee  was  sent  by  the  Association  to  look 
into  their  state,  who  visited  them,  and  after  examination 
and  deliberation,  reported  to  these  brethren,  that  it  was 
their  decision  that  all  those  members  who  could  unite 
in  a  renewal  of  'covenant,'  was  the  church.  Where- 
upon, a  large  majority  of  both  parties  signified  union 
and  fellowship,  and  soon  most  of  the  minority  joined 
them.  This  method  of  settling  the  difficulty  was  ac- 
ceptable to  the  Association.*  It  was  not  considered  a 
re-organization,  but  a  restoration  of  union. 

The  church  now  moved  on  harmoniously,  till  1825, 
when  by  the  labors  of  Elders  William  Johnson,  Samuel 

Win.  E.  M.  Asso. 


272  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BLUEHILL. 

Allen  and  P.  Bond,  the  Lord  appeared  in  power  and 
great  glory,  in  the  revival  of  his  work.  The  wilderness 
bloomed  with  spiritual  beauty,  and  the  desert  sent  forth 
a  heavenly  fragrance.  In  1825,  an  invitation  was  ex- 
tended to  Mr.  John  Billings,  of  Fayette,  son  of  the  late 
Elder  O.  Billings,  and  one  of  the  first  graduates  of 
Waterville  College,  to  become  their  pastor.  In  April, 
1826,  Mr.  Billings  accepted  their  call,  and  united  with 
the  church.  But  as  a  large  part  of  the  church  lived  in 
Addison,  and  at  some  distance  from  'Epping,'  in  Co- 
lumbia, the  original  centre  of  the  church,  it  was  mutu- 
ally agreed  that  a  church  should  be  organized  in  Addi- 
son, and  that  Mr.  Billings  should  be  ordained  its  pastor. 
This  was  done;  and  this  arrangement  left  the  parent 
stock  at  Eppirig  much  enfeebled.  From  this  time  till 
very  recently,  its  sojourning  has  been  generally  accom- 
panied with  many  trials  and  discouragements.  Armin- 
ianism,  Universalism,  and  other  false  doctrines  have 
made  inroads  upon  them;  but  they  are  not  overcome. 
They  have  had  occasional  preaching  by  Elders  Case, 
Johnson,  Billings,  Lennon,  and  for  the  last  two  years, 
half  of  the  ministry  of  Rev.  R.  W.  E.  Brown,  a  li- 
centiate. Their  original  number  is  unknown.  Their 
present  number  is  forty-seven.* 

BLUEHILL  FIRST  CHURCH.  This  place  began  to  be 
settled  in  1763.  It  was  then  called  East  Andover, 
afterward  Newport;  but  in  1788,  it  was  incorporated 
by  the  name  of  Bluehill.  A  Congregational  church 
was  gathered  here  in  1772,  and  in  1796,  Rev.  Jonathan 
Fisher  was  ordained  its  pastor. "j"  This  church  pros- 
pered, and  a  strong  passion  for  a  Pedo-baptist  practice 
was  created  throughout  the  community.  About  this 
time,  Elders  Case  and  Snow  made  frequent  tours  into  the 

*Ch.  Records.    "Green.  Eccl.  his.  pp.  256, 157. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BLUEHILL.  373 

eastern  part  of  the  State,  and  passed  through  this  set- 
tlement, and  occasionally  preached  a  lecture.  Though 
they  did  not  urge  their  peculiar  sentiments,*  it  was 
known  that  they  were  Baptists,  which  might  have  had 
some  influence. 

The  first  extensive  revival  which  blessed  this  people 
was  in  1803.  Baptists  were  then  little  known  here,  and 
their  sentiments  little  regarded.  Yet  in  the  progress  of 
the  revival  an  incident  occurred,  surprising  to  Pedo- 
baptists.  On  the  reception  of  members,  three  persons 
refused  to  unite  with  the  church  unless  they  could  do  so 
without  subscribing  to  the  article  of  infant  sprinkling, 
assigning  as  their  reason,  that  'they  believed  the  Bible 
authorized  no  such  practice.'  They  were,  however, 
admitted  to  fellowship,  but  not  without  being  publicly 
exposed  as  dissenters  from  that  most  essential  rite, 
'infant  baptism. 'f 

This  awakened  a  spirit  of  inquiry,  and  the  people 
began  to  search  the  scriptures  for  themselves,  some  of 
whom  soon  saw  as  did  Dr.  Woods  when  he  penned  this 
most  important  concession,  'There  is  neither  precept 
nor  example  for  infant  baptism  in  all  our  sacred  wri- 
tings. 'J  The  result  of  these  inquiries,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  was,  that  in  1804,  the  three  persons  before 
mentioned  withdrew  from  the  Pedo-baptist  connexion, 
and  publicly  avowed  their  faith  in  'Believers'  Baptism,' 
(immersion)  as  the  only  gospel  rite.  ,And,  although  no 
efforts  were  spared  by  the  zealous  advocates  of  Pedo- 
baptism  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the 'delusion,' in  1805, 
twenty-five  or  thirty  more  persons  left  their  communion. 
It  deserves  to  be  noticed  that  these  were  Biblical  Bap- 
tists. Their  change  of  views  was  not  produced  by 

•Case's  Jour.    tZion's  Adv.,  March  27.  1833,  Rev.  J.  G.'s  Sermon. 
JDr.Woods,  cited  by  Rev.  J.  G. 


274  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BLUEHILL. 

Baptist  preaching,  for  this  they  had  seldom,  if  ever, 
heard.  Their  convictions  were  deep,  their  views  clear, 
and  their  faith  firm.  Baptist  doctrines  and  practices 
began  now  to  prevail,  and  though  opposed  by  some, 
found  adherents.  A  Baptist  church  was  not,  however, 
organized  in  Bluehill,  but  the  persons  referred  to  were 
baptized  in  Sedgwick,  and  united  with  that  church.  This 
did  not  prevent  their  holding  frequent  meetings  among 
themselves,  nor  their  being  visited  occasionally  by  Bap- 
tist preachers  at  Bluehill.  They  had  seasons  of  com- 
fort, but  not  unmixed  with  trials.  Their  brethren  whom 
they  had  left,  and  whom  they  still  loved,  did  not  cherish 
the  best  feelings  towards  them.*  Rev.  I.  Case  says: 
he,  'accompanied  with  Rev.  H.  Hale  and  Deacon 
Dodge,  went  to  the  Congregational  meeting  house, 
where  three  Pedo-baptist  preachers  were  assembled  for 
an  association.  I  thought  some  hardness  was  to  be 
discovered  against  the  Baptists,  especially  in  Rev.  Mr. 
Powers'  prayer,  in  which  he  told  the  Lord  that  the 
Baptists  were  deluded.'!  But  these  brethren  were,  like 
martyrs  in  the  worst  of  times,  bound  together  by  the 
indissoluble  ties  of  love,  and  supported  by  the  grace  of 
faith.  In  1 806,  it  was  deemed  important  that  they  should 
be  organized  into  a  church.  Thirteen  males  and  six 
females  were  therefore  embodied  on  the  13th  of  Febru- 
ary. J  Their  number  was  soon  enlarged  by  the  fruits 
of  a  revival. 

Having  no  convenient  place  of  worship,  and  no  pastor 
to  guide  and  guard  them,  there  was  from  this  time,  till 
1816,  no  material  changes  in  their  condition.  They 
had,  however,  occasional  preaching,  and  were  permitted 
now  and  then  to  gather  a  choice  cluster  from  the  vine. 
Elder  Case,  who  honored  and  cheered  this  church  with 

*Zion's  Advocate,  &c.    \E,\d. Case's  Jou.    JCh.  Rec.  quo.  by  the  pastor. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN   BLUEHILL.  275 

his  frequent  visits,  relates  the  following  circumstance, 
as  illustrative  of  the  power  of  truth.  He  says:  'Two 
persons  related  their  experience,  and  I  baptized  them, 
one  of  whom  was  Deacon  Hinkley,  who  once  said  that 
he  would  not  be  a  Baptist,  if  Mr.  Fisher  and  all  his 
church  should  turn;  but  truth  was  stronger  than  his 
opposition.'* 

In  1807,  John  Roundy  and  Amos  Allen  received  a 
license  to  preach.  In  1809,  Mr.  Allen  was  ordained  as 
an  evangelist,  and  Mr.  Roundy  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
The  church,  'though  perplexed,  was  not  in  despair;'  and 
'though  persecuted,  was  not  forsaken ; '  and  they  believed 
that  greater  blessings  were  in  reserve  for  them.  Their 
hopes  were  soon  realized.  In  1816,  in  answer  to  prayer 
and  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  their  pastor  and  of 
Rev.  Phinehas  Pilsbury,  who  afforded  much  timely  aid, 
the  clouds  which  had  lowered  about  the  church's  hori- 
zon disappeared,  and  the  light  of  heavenly  glory  shone 
with  resplendent  lustre  and  beauty  upon  this  people,  and 
one  hundred  and  forty-one  were  added  to  the  church; 
some  of  these  were  persons  who  had  withdrawn  from 
Pedo-baptism.  The  ability  and  influence  of  the  church, 
were  now  very  much  increased,  and  their  resources 
were  immediately  applied  to  the  erection  of  a  house  of 
worship.  This  year  a  license  was  granted  to  William 
Johnson,  who  was  ordained  an  evangelist  in  1818.  In 
1821,  their  pastor  was  dismissed  from  his  charge. 

Towards  the  close  of  1823,  Mr.  Reuben  Milner  began 
to  preach  with  the  church,  and  was  soon  ordained  their 
minister,  and  was  useful  during  his  stay,  a  period  of 
three  years.  In  1825,  J.  Darling  was  licensed.  From 
1826  to  1828,  Rev.  E;  Pinkham  was  minister,  and  the 
first  year  of  his  ministry  the  church  was  blessed  with 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour. 


276  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  MONTVILLE. 

another  revival.  The  interval  between  these  revivals 
was  filled  with  trials  and  discouragements;  but  now 
days  of  prosperity  returned.  In  1828,  their  present 
eminently  useful  pastor,  Rev.  James  Gillpatrick,  com- 
menced preaching,  by  license,  and  was  ordained  April  23, 
1829.  An  annual  increase,  and  a  growing  influence, 
cheered  both  church  and  pastor,  till  1838,  when  the 
Lord  hastened  the  gathering  of  another  rich  harvest; 
and  in  1843,  there  was  another  in-gathering  of  precious 
fruit,  so  that  the  church  is  now  a  large,  influential  and 
benevolent  body,  with  two  hundred  and  eighty  members.* 

NORTHPORT.  This  church  was  gathered  some  years 
before  it  united  with  this  Association.  At  that  time  it 
reported  thirty-seven  members.  But  having  no  regular 
ministry,  it  gradually  decreased  to  fourteen,  and  finally 
lost  its  name  and  place  in  the  denomination,  in  1828. 
Deacon  Jonathan  Holbrook  was  its  principal  supporter.1!" 

MONTVILLE  FIRST  CHURCH.  Five  Baptists  were 
united  in  church  fellowship  in  Montville,  July  17,  1807. 
The  same  year  this  'little  one'  was  blest  with  an  increase 
by  a  revival,  and  by  the  ordination  of  Rev.  Job  Cush- 
•man,  from  Hebron',  as  pastor.  For  thirteen  years  they 
were  blessed  with  his  ministry  and  a  cheering  prosper- 
ity. He  resigned  in  1820.  Years  of  trials  followed. 
Rev.  J.  Hall  preached  a  part  of  the  time,  but  with  little 
success.  In  1826,  the  clouds  began  to  break  away, 
revealing  some  brighter  prospects.  This  year,  T.  B. 
Robinson  began  to  aid  them  in  the  capacity  of  a  licen- 
tiate, and  was  eminently  useful  to  them.  He  was  or- 
dained an  evangelist,  July  25,  1827.  A  revival  by  his 
labors  had  enlarged  the  church,  by  an  addition  of  con- 
verts, baptized  by  Elders  S.  Fogg  and  N.  Hooper. 

*Zion's  Adv.  March,  1835,  and  Min.  L.  and  H.  Asso.    fMin.  L.  A.  and 
Eld.  Case's  Journal. 


CHURCH  IN  CARMEL.  277 

Mr.  Robinson  continued  here  till  1830,  and  baptized 
fifteen  more,  making  sixty-five  in  all,  during  his  stay. 
Since  then,  the  church  has  had  several  pastors  and 
ministers.  Elder  Joseph  Palmer  preached  with  little 
success,  from  1830  to  1835;  Elder  E.  H.  Emery  sup- 
plied a  short  time;  Elder  T.  Jameson,  in  1836;  Elder 
I.  S.  Smith,  a  part  of  the  time,  1837  and  1838;  Elder 
Fogg,  a  short  season,  most  successfully ;  and  Elder  J. 
M.  Mace  was  ordained  pastor,  and  labored  faithfully, 
from  1840  to  1843.  He  was  a  blessing  to  the  church, 
though  some  internal  difficulties  seemed  to  operate 
against  a  large  increase.  The  church  is  now  united, 
and  though  without  a  pastor,  is  persevering,  with  sev- 
enty-four active  members.* 

CARMEL,  now  ETNA  AND  CARMEL.  In  Carmel  and 
its  vicinity,  Baptists  were  little  known  previous  to  1807. 
This  year,  as  the  fruits  of  the  labors  of  Rev.  John 
Chadbourn,  seven  persons  were  baptized  and  embodied 
into  a  church,  with  two  other  resident  Baptists.  Paul 
Ruggles  was  elected  deacon.  He  was  afterwards  most 
successfully  devoted  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.  The 
years  1808  and  1809  were  distinguished  for  an  exten- 
sive work  of  grace  in  these  settlements,  under  the 
labors  of  Elders  J.  Chadbourn,  their  minister,  and 
Jason  Livermore,  of  Mount  Ephraim.  This  season  of 
mercy  to  the  church  was  followed  by  one  of  severe 
trials.  Mr.  Chadbourn  was  dismissed.  In  1810,  Daniel 
Mason  received  approbation  to  preach,  and  Paul  Rug- 
gles was  ordained.  The  church  was  blessed  under  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Ruggles.  He  died  1820.  In  1822, 
the  church  was  again  aroused  from  its  spiritual  slum- 
bers by  the  preaching  of  A.  E.  Hackett,  a  licentiate, 
and  by  the  blessing  of  God  a  few  souls  were  converted. 

*A.  Pierce's  Com.  and  Min.  L.  and  W.  A. 
13 


278  CHURCH  IN  SURRf. 

In  1823,  Rev.  Daniel  McMaster  was  received  as  their 
first  pastor.  They  prospered  for  seven  years  under  his 
ministry,  and  sustained  a  loss  by  his  resignation  in  1831. 
The  meeting  of  the  quarterly  conference  in  this  vicinity 
was  blessed  to  this  church,  with  which  it  was  held  in 
1834.  The  meeting  was  protracted:  a  revival  com- 
menced, which,  by  the  pious  and  efficient  labors  of  Rev. 
H.  Hawes,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
brought  many  precious  souls  to  Christ.  The  church 
was  again  enlarged.  From  1835  to  1837,  Rev.  Jacob 
Hatch  officiated  in  the  pastoral  charge,  and  the  church 
advanced.  March  2,  1836,  Isaac  Boynton,  Jr.,  son  of 
their  first  deacon,  was  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  by  ordination,  and  B.  D.  Small  in  1837.  In 
1838,  the  church  was  blessed  with  three-fourths  of  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  S.  M.  Rice;  from  1839  to  1842,  three- 
fourths  of  the  time  by  Rev.  B.  D.  Small.  The  church 
is  now  destitute  and  in  a  'depressed  state.'  Their  num- 
ber is  seventy-six.  It  has  been  a  prosperous  church, 
and  has  yielded  to  the  denomination  some  fruit: — the 
churches,  Dixrnont,  Pittsfield,  Plymouth,  and  Hermon, 
(now  extinct,)  besides  several  eminent  ministers  of  the 
gospel.* 

SURRY.  The  first  revival  in  Surry  was  under  the 
preaching  of  the  Methodists,  and  a  class  was  formed 
here  by  them  as  early  as  1800.  Elder  John  Tuffs  was 
the  preacher  on  the  circuit,  and  Benjamin  Lord,  one  of 
the  converts  in  Surry,  was  made  class-leader.  Baptists 
were  not  known  here  then.  But  in  1801,  Rev.  John 
Tripp,  of  Hebron,  had  occasion  to  visit  Surry.  While 
there  he  preached  the  gospel.  Soon  it  was  known  that 
he  was  one  of  those  'dreadful  creatures,'  the  Baptists. 
His  preaching  was  experimental,  spiritual  and  biblical, 

*Johu  C.  Friend's  Com.  aud  Win.  L.  and  P.  A. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  JEFFERSON.  379 

and  thus  made  substantial  and  soul-nourishing  food  for 
those  converts.  The  result  was,  a  foundation  for  a 
Baptist  interest.  In  1802,  Mr.  Tripp  visited  them  again. 
He  now  saw  that  his  former  labor  was  not  in  vam. 
Converted  thoroughly  from  Arminianism  and  Pedo- 
baptism,  Benjamin  Lord  and  a  few  others,  by  their  re- 
quest, were  now  baptized.*  These  labors  of  Mr.  Tripp 
were  not  to  be  lost.  God  designed  to  carry  forward 
the  work  of  truth.  In  1803,  Elder  Case  came  to  them 
in  the  fulness  of  the  gospel.  His  labors  were  blessed 
to  the  conversion  of  several  more  from  the  same  errors, 
and  of  some  from  the  love  and  practice  of  sin.  He 
baptized  eleven. f  These  labors  were  occasionally  re- 
peated till  1806,  when  a  church  of  seventeen  members 
was  organized.  The  next  year,  Benjamin  Lord  was 
qualified  to  preach  among  them  by  a  license;  and  be- 
lieving that  God  had  designed  him.  for  their  pastor,  the 
church  invited  him  to  receive  the  charge.  He  accepted, 
and  was  ordained  1810.  For  a  period  of  thirty  years 
he  sustained  this  relation,  with  great  profit  to  the  church 
and  pleasure  to  himself.  This  period,  however,  was 
interrupted  by  an  interval  of  four  years,  from  1814  to 
1818,  during  which  he  was  the  useful  pastor  over  the 
church  in  Columbia.  Elder  Lord  died  September,  1841. 
One  peculiarity  has  marked  the  progress  of  this  church. 
Its  advancement  has  been  altogether  by  periodical  revi- 
vals. It  has  existed  thirty-seven  years ;t  had  one  pastor; 
no  meeting  house;  had  four  revivals,  and  yielded  four 
churches — Branch  Pond,  Reed's  Brook,  Ellsworth  Vil- 
lage Church,  and  Third  Trenton.  It  is  now  destitute, 
with  fifty-six  members. J 

JEFFERSON  FIRST  CHURCH.     Jefferson  was  a  part  of 
the   territory    first  called  Ballstown.     In  the    western 

*Rev.J.  Tripp'sCoin.  t Eld.  Case's  Jour.  JRev.  A.  B.  &Min.  L.&  H.  A 


280  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  JEFFERSON. 

part,  now  Whitefield,  a  church  was  gathered  in  1788. 
Through  the  influence  of  this  church,  and  of  Elder 
Bailey,  their  pastor,  Baptists  soon  began  to  multiply  in 
the  eastern  part,  now  Jefferson.  Occasional  labors 
were  bestowed  upon  this  people,  by  Elders  Potter  and 
Case,  whose  influence  never  failed  to  produce  some 
good  result.  In  1807,  the  inhabitants  of  Jefferson 
erected  a  house  of  worship  at  the  head  of  'Damaris- 
cotta  Pond,'  and  Mr.  William  Allen,  a  licentiate,  and 
filled  with  the  grace  of  God,  commenced  his  untiring 
and  successful  ministry  among  them.  The  Lord  poured 
forth  his  converting  influences,  and  a  gracious  work 
began  to  appear.  In  the  midst  of  the  accumulating 
labors  at  this  time,  Elders  Case  and  Pilsbury  came  to 
the  aid  of  Mr.  Allen,  and  by  their  instrumentality  the 
work  was  made  glorious  and  extensive.*  The  'most  of 
the  converts  were  baptized'  by  Elder  Case,  who  says, 
in  his  journal,  for  November,  1807,  that  he  assisted  the 
council  in  organizing  the  First  Church  in  Jefferson. 
The  minutes  give  the  date  1808.  But  this  was  the 
year  it  united  with  the  Association,  when  it  reported 
seventy-five  members.  Its  original  number  we  have 
not  heard.  Being  provided  with  a  meeting-house,  they 
next  needed  the  pious  pastor.  This  blessing  was  con- 
ferred, by  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Allen,  (1809)  who  was 
the  principal  instrument  in  their  conversion  to  God. 
Elder  Allen  entered  upon  his  ministry  with  encouraging 
prospects;  and  the  numerous  blessings  which  flowed  to 
this  church  under  his  ministry,  for  a  period  of  about 
twenty-seven  years,  show  that  he  was  the  pastor  whom 
the  Lord  chose.  He  died  in  1836,  leaving  the  church 
in  its  usual  prosperous  state,  with  about  two  hundred 
members. 

*The  most  of  these  facts  ara  gathered  from  Eld.  C.'s  Jour,  for  1807. 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  JEFFERSON.  281 

This  venerable  Father  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral 
office  by  Rev.  Samuel  Chisam,  whose  labors,  from  1837 
to  the  present,  the  Lord  has  signally  honored,  with  dis- 
tinguished power  and  influence.  Under  his  ministry 
there  has  been  no  retrograde  movement  by  the  church. 
From  the  first  to  the  present,  this  church  has  pro- 
gressed, acquiring  gradually  and  annually,  numbers 
and  ability,  and  has  been  repeatedly  refreshed  with 
the  special  and  revival  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit. 
Few  churches  have  occasion  for  more  gratitude  than 
this.  While  some  have  sojourned  in  the  midst  of  trials 
and  discouragements,  this  church  has  always  advanced 
harmoniously  and  prosperously.  It  has  three  hundred 
and  fifteen  members.* 

JEFFERSON  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  church  also  origi- 
nated with  the  revival  in  1807.  Elder  Case  baptized 
the  original  members. "j"  This  church  was  much  smaller 
than  the  First;  but  for  two  years,  being  assisted  by  Mr. 
Asa  Wing,  a  licentiate,  they  made  some  progress.  In 
1815,  another  revival  was  experienced  in  town,  in  which 
this  church  shared  a  part.  It  remained  without  a  pastor 
till  1822,  when  its  worthy  deacon,  William  Burbank, 
who  had  been  ordained  the  previous  year,  became  its 
pastor.  In  1824,  another  work  of  mercy  in  town  en- 
larged this  church  and  multiplied  Baptists  ip  every  part 
of  the  town,  and  in  1825,  Elder  Burbank  and  a  large 
part  of  this  church  were  set  off,  to  form_a  third  church 
in  town.  This  event  deprived  this  church  of  a  pastor, 
and  left  it  in  a  state  of  comparative  feebleness.  From 
this  till  1833,  it  struggled  almost  alone,  having  but  oc- 
casional preaching,  and  consequently  its  increase  was 
small.  In  1833,  wfth  the  settlement  of  Rev.  E.  Trask 
as  pastor,  the  prospects  of  the  church  began  to  brighten. 

*Alin-  L.  A.  and  D.  Asso.    fEJd.  Case's  Journal,  1807. 


282  CHURCH  IN  MATINICUS— DEER  ISLAND. 

He  labored  two  years,  and  was  succeeded  in  1836  by 
Rev.  George  Whitehouse,  who  was  eminently  useful  to 
the  church,  till  1842,  when  he  resigned  his  charge,  and 
soon  after  the  present  pastor,  Rev.  Jonathan  Burbank, 
was  introduced  into  the  office  by  ordination.  Although 
this  church  has  not  had  the  advantages  of  the  First 
church,  yet  it  has  risen  to  a  state  of  respectability  and 
influence.  Its  present  number  is  one  hundred  and  six- 
teen, and  its  prospects  are  encouraging.* 

MATINICUS.  Matinicus  is  an  island,  forming  an  outer 
limit  to  Penobscot  Bay.  On  this  Island,  a  Baptist  church 
of  sixteen  members  was  gathered  in  1808.  But  from 
its  distance  from  the  main  land,  it  enjoyed  but  few  priv- 
ileges of  communication  with  the  denomination,  and 
never  having  a  pastor,  it  gradually  diminished,  till  it 
lost  its  visibility.  The  fragments  were  gathered  up  in 
1843,  and  embodied  into  a  new  church,  of  nine  mem- 
bers. They  are  still  destitute,  and  need  the  aid  of  a 
missionary. f 

DEER  ISLAND.  This  Island  lies  south  of  Sedgwick,  in 
the  eastern  waters  of  Penobscot  Bay.  The  first  Baptist 
minister  who  visited  it,  was  Elder  Case,  in  the  spring  of 
1784.  In  regard  to  his  first  visit,  he  says  :  '  Satan  got  there 
before  me,  and  tried  to  prevent  my  sounding  the  glad  tidings 
of  the  gospel,  but  God  prostrated  his  dark  designs.'!  Eld. 
Case  repeated  his  visits  to  this  Island  for  several  years ; 
souls  were  converted  to  God,  and  in  1807  a  church  of 
twenty-two  members  was  gathered  to  hold  up  the  cross  of 
Christ  to  the  people.  The  Baptists,  however,  did  not 
operate  on  the  Island  without  opposition.  Soon  teachers 
of  another  faith  were  found  among  tfie  people.  Says  Eld. 
Case,  '  atone  time  I  found  a  man  there  who  pretended  to 
teach  them,  but  in  his  reading  there  was  no  life  nor  power, 

•Min.  I .  A.  and  D.  A.    tMin.  L.  A.    fEld.  Case's  Jour. 


CHURCH  IN  STETSON.  283 

nor  was  he  of  any  advantage  to  the  young  disciples.'*  A 
Congregational  church  was  organized  on  the  Island  about 
this  time,  and  was  prosperous^ 

In  1810  the  Baptist  church  was  increased  to  thirty-two 
members,  but  being  destitute  of  stated  preaching,  and  sur- 
rounded by  opposing  influences,  its  prosperity  for  many 
years  was  small  In  1814  Rev.  Samuel  Allen  became  its 
pastor,  but  retained  the  office  only  one  year,  yet  he  contin- 
ued a  portion  of  his  labors  with  them,  and  in  1816  a  work 
of  revival  was  experienced  on  this  Island,  and  on  the  Isle 
au  Haut,  where  the  other  portion  of  his  ministry  was  be- 
stowed upon  the  people.  This  increased  the  church  by  near- 
ly doubling  its  members ;  the  disciples  from  the  Isle  au  Haut 
uniting  with  them,  Eld.  A.  now  again  became  pastor,  and 
the  church  prospered  by  his  ministry  several  years.  At 
length  they  became  remiss  in  duty,  and  Eld.  A.  left  them 
about  the  year  1827.  In  1831  under  the  ministry  of  Eld. 
Elisha  Bedel,  eighty  were  added  to  the  church.  Mr.  B. 
was  pastor  till  1834.  This  revival  season  was  followed  by 
sad  declensions  in  the  church,  and  its  numbers  diminished 
as  rapidly  as  its  spirituality.  That  portion  of  its  members 
who  resided  on  '  Little  Deer  Isle,'  was  in  1838  embodied 
into  a  distinct  church.  This  tended  also  to  enfeeble  this 
body.  Recently  by  occasional  preaching  this  church  has 
been  aroused  a  little  from  its  slumbering  ;  still  it  remains  a 
small  and  destitute  band  of  but  thirty-eight  members.  This 
church  has  suffered  much  from  '  laxity  of  discipline.'! 

STETSON.  In  1807  this  town,  then  a  small  settlement, 
and  called  '  Stetsontown,'  was  visited  by  Elder  Case,  while 
performing  a  mission  under  the  direction  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Domestic  Missionary  Society.  '  Here,'  he  says, 
*  I  found  a  few  pious  souls.'§  He  tarried  with  them  and 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour.  1781.  fGreen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  158.  JMin.  L.  E.  M.  and 
H.  Asso.  §Eld.  Case's  Journal,  1807. 


284  CHURCH  IN  CAMDEN. 

preached  several  days,  and  baptized  eight  persons  and. 
embodied  them  into  a  church.  But  by  removals  and  deaths 
and  other  losses,  this  little  one  in  a  few  years,  (1820,)  be- 
came extinct.  In  1834,  Rev.  S.  Dexter  of  Corinth,  visited 
the  place  and  opened  a  series  of  meetings,  which  were 
blessed  to  the  conversion  of  twenty  or  thirty  persons ;  and 
in  August  of  that  year  a  new  church  was  organized.  This 
church  was  also  very  feeble,  and  in  1837,  had  but  ten 
members.  These  by  mutual  consent  dissolved  their  con- 
nection, and  united  with  the  church  in  Newport.* 

CAMDEN.  A  settlement  was  commenced  here  about  the 
year  1780,  and  increased  somewhat  rapidly.  The  first 
religious  movement  among  the  people  was  in  1784,  caused 
by  the  influence  of  the  extensive  revival  in  Thomaston  that 
year,  and  by  the  occasional  preaching  of  Eld.  Case,  who 
was  instrumental  in  promoting  that  glorious  work.  Says 
Eld.  C.  in  his  journal,  '  April  22d,  I  went  to  Camden,  or 
to  '  Goose  river ;'  called  on  Mr.  Simonton,  found  his 
wife  and  daughter  desiring  to  see  Jesus,  and  I  trust  they 
have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.'  From  this  time  he 
made  frequent  visits  to  that  people.  In  1802  Elder  Case 
baptized  two  persons ;  one  of  these  individuals  was  a 
woman  who  was  led  to  embrace  Christ  some  years  previous, 
by  hearing  Eld.  Case  repeat,  '  Peace  be  to  this  house,'  the 
first  time  he  entered  her  father's  dwelling.  This  was  a 
word  in  season,  arid  shows  the  faithfulness  of  this  servaqt 
of  God.  These  movements  were  preparing  the  way  for 
the  Baptist  interest  in  Camden.  Soon  the  Congregation- 
alists  began  to  operate  in  town,  and  anticipated  the  Bap- 
tists in  planting  a  church.  They  organized  in  1805  ;t  and 
the  Baptists  in  1808,  gathered  two  churches,  one  in  the 
westerly  part  of  the  town,  the  other  in  the  easterly  part. 
The  latter  occupied  the  village  as  their  centre  of  influence. 

*Rec.  of  Pen.  Asso.        fGreen.  Eccl.bis.  p.  175. 


CHURCH  IN  CAMDEN.  285 

THE  FIRST  CHURCH,  in  the  westerly  part  of  the  town 
was  gathered  by  the  occasional  labors  of  Elder  E.  Snow 
and  Eld.  John  Still,  and  had  in  Sept  twenty-five  members. 
Eld.  Still  soon  became  their  stated  minister  if  not  pastor, 
and  was  with  them  till  1815,  but  the  church  made  slow 
progress.  In  1816  the  church  was  increased  and  encour- 
aged by  a  pleasant  revival,  but  remaining  destitute  of  the 
stated  ministry  of  the  gospel,  it  became  much  enfeebled  in 
a  few  years  by  a  loss  of  members.  In  1824  this  church 
licensed  N.  Copeland,  by  whom  they  were  assisted  till  1828. 
Still  they  were  a  small  and  inefficient ^church.  $  In  1831 
Eld.  A.  Kalloch  rendered  them  some  important  aid,  and 
in  1832  Eld.  A.  Bedel  became  its  pastor.  He  tarried  but 
one  year,  leaving  the  church  without  increase.  In  1837 
and  1838,  this  church  enjoyed  some  revival.  Elders  S. 
Baker  and  S.  N.  Rice  then  labored  with  them.  This 
harvest  season  increased  the  church  to  ninety  members. 
Since  that  time  the  church  has  been  in  a  tried,  divided 
and  unhappy  state,  principally  the  result  of  the  instability 
of  Mr.  Baker.  Their  state  is  yet  most  precarious,  and  the 
continuance  of  their  visibility  somewhat  doubtful ;  but  we 
hope  better  things.  Their  number  is  seventy-two.* 

THE  SECOND  CHURCH  in  the  village  was  gathered  soon 
after  the  first,  and  by  the  same  instrumentality.  It  had  in 
Sept.  sixteen  members,  and  thus  began  with  a  smaller  num- 
ber than  the  first  church,  and  for  several  years  its  prosperity 
hardly  encouraged  exertion.  But,  aided  by  occasional 
preaching,  it  maintained  existence  till  1816,  when,  like  the 
first,  it  was  increased  by  a  revival.  It  however  gained  but 
a  small  advancement  till  within  a  few  years.  In  1827 
Elder  N.  Hooper  became  its  first  pastor,  but  continued 
only  one  year.  Now  followed  a  series  of  sojourneyings 
for  eight  years,  during  which  they  were  made  to  drink  of 

*Min.  L.  A. 

13* 


286  CHURCH  IN  FRANKFORT. 

a  mixed  cup  of  good  and  evil.  But  encouraged  by  the 
promises  of  God,  they  believed  that  they  should  '  reap'  if 
they  '  fainted  not.' 

The  Convention  considered  their  situation,  and  sent  Eld. 
H.  Kendall  to  them,  who  by  the  help  of  God  was  success- 
ful in  gathering  together  this  scattered  flock,  and  of  intro- 
ducing to  their  number  twenty-five  new  members.  Encour- 
aged by  this  success,  the  Convention  in  October  made 
another  appropriation,  and  Eld.  K.'s  labors  were  continued. 
The  church  quickened  by  their  prosperity  and  animated  to 
the  work  by  the  advice  and  successful  efforts  of  Eld.  K.  in 
collecting  aid  from  abroad,  set  about  building  a  house  of 
worship  in  the  village,  which  was  completed  and  opened 
in  1837.  Since  that  time  the  church  has  not  been  driven 
from  one  school-house  to  another,  and  thence  to  private 
dwellings  ;  and  for  this  blessing  they  are  much  indebted  to 
the  Convention  and  to  Elder  K.,  but  most  of  all  to  the 
Great  Head  of  the  church.  In  1838  Eld.  E.  Freeman 
commenced  his  labors  with  this  church,  and  administered 
to  its  prosperity  till  1842,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
valuable  efforts  of  Eld.  A.  Dunbar  one  year.  Eld.  Daniel 
Bartlett  is  their  present  beloved  pastor,  and  the  church  is 
advancing  in  respectability  and  influence,  with  a  total  of 
one  hundred  and  twelve  members.* 

FRANKFORT.  A  church  of  thirty-eight  members  was 
gathered  in  Frankfort  in  1808,  but  owing  to  adverse  cir- 
cumstances it  remained  nearly  stationary  for  several  years. 
It  was  not  favored  with  much  preaching,  till  Eld.  Robert 
Lambert  took  the  pastoral  charge  in  1821  ;  nor  were  they 
blessed  then  with  much  increase  till  a  revival  in  1824,  added 
twenty-two  to  their  number.  For  several  years  subsequent 
to  this  work  of  grace,  they  were  destitute  and  inactive,  but 
by  the  means  of  occasional  preaching  and  the  untiring 

*Hiram  Bass's  Com.  and  Min.  Lin.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  UNION.  337 

efforts  of  their  worthy  deacons,  D.  and  J.  Perkins,  its  visi- 
bility was  preserved.  In  1841,  their  prospects  brightened 
by  the  ministry  of  Eld.  N.  Adderton,  who  became  pastor, 
and  officiated  to  the  close  of  1842.  Although  but  few 
additions  were  made  to  the  church  ;  yet  the  brethren  be- 
came united  and  more  active  in  the  cause  of  God.  Their 
present  pastor,  Eld.  J.  Hallowell,  entered  upon  his  ministry 
with  them  in  1843,  and  the  church  rejoices  in  hope.  It  is 
however  still  a  small  church  of  but  thirty-seven  members  ; 
one  less  than  its  original  number.* 

UNION,  (first  called  SECOND  HOPE).  The  church  in 
Union  originated  in  part  with  the  Baptists  in  Hope,  as  its 
original  name  indicates.  The  second  church  in  Hope  was 
set  off  from  the  first  in  1801,  and  organized  by  Elds.  Snow, 
Hall  and  Fuller.  This  church  was  located  in  the  westerly 
part  of  the  town  next  to  the  town  of  Union,  and  the  Baptists 
in  its  vicinity  and  in  Union,  being  increased  by  means  of 
extensive  revivals  which  prevailed  in  1808,  united  in  one 
body,  to  be  ctilled  the  Baptist  church  in  Union. 

They  were  favored  with  one-fourth  of  the  labors  of  Eld. 
James  Steward,  for  several  years,  and  with  the  same  amount 
of  preaching  by  Eld.  S.  A.  Flagg,  in  1815.  In  1816,  Eld. 
L.  Rich  visited  them,  and  was  successful,  under  God,  n 
awakening  the  energies  of  the  church  to  activity,  and  of 
winning  souls  to  Christ.  The  additions  now  made,  and 
the  spiritual  zeal  which  now  awoke,  encouraged  the  church 
to  build  a  house  of  worship,  which  was  oompleted  in  1818. 
This  season  of  mercy  was  followed  by  one  of  trials,  caused 
by  party  feelings,  but  the  monthly  labors  of  Eld.  Rich, 
which  were  continued  till  1821,  saved  the  church  from 
ruin.  From  1822  to  1826,  Elder  R.  was  pastor.  But 
serious  difficulties  prevailed  in  the  church.  Some  became 
Universal ists  ;  some  left,  being  grieved,  and  some  were 
excommunicated. 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


288  CHURCH  IN  PALERMO— ORLAND. 

From  1826,  for  five  years,  they  were  supplied  monthly 
by  Eld.  A.  Richardson,  of  Appleton.  And  now,  by  a  wise 
providence,  things  which  had  been  hidden  in  a  time  of  trial 
and  contention,  were  revealed  to  the  confusion  of  some, 
and  to  the  encouragement  of  others.  In  1838,  the  church 
became  united  and  at  rest  from  internal  trials,  by  the  labors 
of  Eld.  Simon  Fuller,  who,  at  that  time,  began  to  officiate 
as  pastor  among  them.  Opposition  from  without  was 
strong  and  vehement.  The  most  of  the  excluded  members 
became  Universalists,  and  were  violent  in  their  hostility  to 
the  church.  But  the  church  still  lives  and  witnesses  a 
pleasing  prosperity.  They  now  number  fifty-four  members, 
and  have  peace  among  themselves.* 

PALERMO,  SECOND  CHURCH.  This  church  appears  in 
the  minutes  of  the  Lincoln  Association  in  1809,  with 
twenty-two  members.  It  was  encouraged  by  refreshing 
revivals  in  181 1, '12  and '18  For  several  years  the  church 
was  aided  by  the  labors  of  Mr.  Daniel  Whitehouse,  a  licen- 
tiate, and  who  was  ordained  in  1833,  and  was  pastor 
one  year.  In  1833  the  church  was  greatly  enlarged  by  a 
third  revival.  From  1840,  Elder  E.  J.  White  was  pastor 
until  1842.  Mr.  A.  Stewart,  a  licentiate,  was  with  them 
in  1843,  and  the  church  was  a  respectable  body,  united 
and  prospering.  Sixty-five  members.t 

ORLAND  AND  BUCKSPORT,  (now  ORLAND  and  PENOB- 
SCOT.)  '  As  early  as  1784,'  says  Rev.  Benjamin  Buck, 
'  Mrs.  Lydia  Buck,  a  member  of  Eld.  Smith's  church,  in 
Haverhill,  Mass.,  moved  to  this  then  almost  unbroken 
wilderness.'  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  this  pious  female 
was  the  natural  mother  or  grandmother  of  all  by  the  name 
of  Buck  in  the  town  and  village  of  Bucksport.  It  was 
first  called  '  Bucktown,'  a  name  probably  derived  from 
these  first  settlers. 

*Ekl.  S.  Fuller's  Com.  and  Lin.  Asso.    fMin.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BELFAST.  289 

Mrs.  Back  remained  firm  and  happy  in  her  Baptist  faith 
and  attachments  till  her  death,  in  1793.  To  the  influence 
of  her  faith,  prayers  and  instructions,  we  are  to  look  for 
the  origin  of  those  feelings  of  regard  to  Baptist  principles 
which  prevailed  in  this  place.  Mr.  Jonathan  Buck,  one 
of  her  sons,  although  a  member  of  a  Congregational 
church,  (for  convenience  sake)  was  nevertheless  in  princi- 
ple a  Baptist.  Many  of  his  neighbors  and  brethren  were 
united  in  the  same  society  and  for  the  same  reason ;  and 
here  they  remained  till  conscience  and  a  conviction  of  duty 
compelled  them  to  come  out  and  walk  agreeably  to  gospel 
order.  In  1800  Josiah  Colson,  Joshua  Coulliard,  Benja- 
min Buck  and  Lydia  Harriman,  separated  from  the  Con- 
gregationalrsts,  and  were  organized  by  Eld.  A.  Cummings 
into  a  Baptist  church.  This  was  the  first  Baptist  church 
in  this  section.  In  1809  it  united  with  the  Lincoln  Asso- 
ciation, by  the  name  of  Buckstown.  By  trials  and  difficul- 
ties its  influence  in  a  few  years  became  almost  lost.  By 
the  aid  of  a  council  in  1812,  it  was  resuscitated,  but  not 
without  the  loss  of  more  than  half  its  members.  In  1815 
it  was  Orland  and  Buckstown  ;  subsequently  '  Bucksport,' 
and  still  later  '  Orland  and  Penobscot.'  Benjamin  Morrill 
and  Benjaman  Buck  were  its  first  deacons ;  the  latter 
received  a  license  in  1816,  and  was  ordained  its  pastor  in 
1817.  He  resigned  in  1818;  since  which  the  church  has 
been  destitute  of  stated  preaching.  It  has  experienced 
some  seasons  of  mercy,  the  most  distinguished  were  in 
1843,  which  increased  its  number  of  members  to  one  hun- 
dred and  five.* 

BELFAST,  FIRST  CHURCH.  This  church  is  situated  in 
the  pleasant  village  in  Belfast,  at  the  head  of  Penobscot 
Bay,  and  on  the  south  side  of  Belfast  river,  first  called  by 
the  natives,  '  Passagasawakeag,'  a  name  signifying  the 

*Eld.  B.'s  Com  and  Min.  of  L.  and  H.  A. 


290  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  BELFAST. 

'  land  of  sights  or  ghosts.'  The  Congregational ists  plant- 
ed their  standard  here  about  the  year  1796,*  and  gained  a 
strong  power  of  influence  over  the  place. 

The  first  efforts  in  'behalf  of  a  Baptist  interest  were 
made  in  1809  by  Eld.  Case.  In  June  he  made  his  first  visit 
with  a  view  to  assist  the  few  Baptists  who  had  gained  a  resi- 
dence in  town,  in  securing  to  themselves  gospel  privileges. 
At  his  advice  arrangements  were  made  to  organize  a 
church,  and  on  the  39th  of  July  the  organization  took 
place,  and  Eld.  Case  baptized  three  persons ;  and  two  of 
them,  with  others,  were  embodied  into  a  church.  '  The 
principal  motive  for  doing  this,'  says  J.  McCrillis,  one  of 
their  present  deacons,  '  was  the  religious  condition  of  the 
community,'  which,  'for  a  new  place  was  as  immoral  as  most 
any  place,'  and  '  little  or  no  vital  religion  characterized  the 
old  Congregational  church.'  Soon  after  the  church  was  or- 
ganized, a  Baptist  society  was  formed  to  aid  their  cause,  but 
having  no  regular  place  for  worship,  and  preaching  but  very 
irregularly,  the  church  for  several  years  remained  about 
stationary,  and  at  length  lost  its  visibility.  During  this 
struggle  with  opposing  influences,  they  were  assisted  suc- 
cessively by  Elders  Chase,  Pinkham  and  Wagg,  each 
laboring  occasionally  for  stated  periods.  But  the  day  for 
their  prosperity  had  not  arrived.  In  1818  a  new  church 
was  organized  with  seventeen  members,  and  Elder  J.  Wagg 
minister.  Mr.  W.  labored  with  them  about  two  years,  but 
with  little  success.  He  was  succeeded  in  the  ministry 
by  Eld.  Joshua  Eveleth,  and  by  his  labors  the  church  en- 
joyed a  pleasing  prosperity.  A  brighter  day  now  began  to 
dawn  upon  the  cliurch.  In  1826  Elder  N.  Hooper  became 
pastor.  About  this  time  they  became  able  to  provide  them- 
selves with  a  convenient  house  of  worship,  in  which  they 
enjoyed  seasons  of  devotion  without  annoyance.  In  1833 

*Green.  Eccl.  his.  p.  167. 


CHURCH  IN  HAMPDEN.  291 

their  present  commodious  house  was  dedicated  to  God. 
From  the  first  this  new  church  has  enjoyed  some  annual 
prosperity,  but  recently  it  has  progressed  in  the  cause  more 
rapidly. 

From  the  close  of  Eld.  Hooper's  ministry  in  1827,  the 
church  were  ten  years  without  a  pastor.  In  1836  and  '37, 
they  experienced  severe  trials  from  internal  causes.  While 
without  a  pastor,  they  were  assisted  by  Eld.  J.  Hall  from 
1827,  two  years  ;  Eld.  White  a  few  weeks ;  Eld.  H.  Seaver 
from  1831,  about  two  years;  Eld.  H.  Kendall  in  the  win- 
ters of  1833  and. '34  ;  Eld.  Win.  Day  from  1835,  about  two 
years;  Eld.  Kendall  again  a  short  time,  under  whose  la- 
bors their  trials  were  greatly  removed;  Eld.  Harris  in  the 
winter  of  1823.  S.  G.  Sargent  was  ordained  to  the  pas- 
toral charge  over  them  in  June,  1838.  Under  his  labors 
the  church  has  had  many  refreshing  seasons.  In  1840  a 
very  pleasing  revival  was  enjoyed,  and  in  1843,  a  still  more 
general  work,  bringing  into  the  church  a  large  harvest. 
This  church,  which  began  with  a  small  number  and  with 
few  to  care  for  its  interests,  now  claims  equal  rank  and  re- 
spectability with  the  first  religious  societies  in  that  pleasant 
village.  In  1840  it  originated  the  second  church  in  Bel-- 
fast. Present  number  one  hundred  and  seventy-four.* 

HAMPDEN.  The  territory  now  Hampden,  was  called  by 
the  Indians,  '  Sowerdabocook.'t  A  Mr.  Wheeler  was  the 
first  white  man  to  settle  here.  He  entered  this  wilderness 
about  1777,  and  the  settlement  which  Was  soon  gained,  re- 
ceived the  name  '  Wheelersborough.'  About  the  same 
time  settlements  were  opened  in  Bangor,  Orrington,  and 
Frankfort ;  and  in  1788,  missionaries  of  a  Puritan  faith 
began  to  visit  these  places  ;  and  in  1800  a  Congregational 
church  was  organized  of  members  residing  in  these  several 
places.  It  was  not  however  till  181G  that  they  organized 

«Dea.  J.  M'Crillis'  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A.    fGreen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  218. 


292  CHURCH  IN  HAMPDEN. 

a  church  in  Harapden.  Baptists  began  to  make  some 
united  efforts  in  this  town  about  the  year  1809,  when  a 
small  church  of  twelve  members  was  organized.  The 
same  year  their  number  was  doubled.  For  several  years 
they  obtained  a  small  annual  increase,  though  not  exempt 
from  opposition.  Dea.  David  Vose,  one  of  the  original 
number,  rendered  them  great  service  in  these  times  of  their 
extremity.  Eld.  Case  occasionally  visited  them  as  a  mis- 
sionary. In  1820,  Eld.  Otis  Briggs  took  the  pastoral  charge. 
Mr.  Briggs  was  much  occupied  in  the  Academy,  of  which 
he  was  the  Principal  several  years ;  yet  he  was  a  rich  bless- 
ing to  this  church,  particularly  in  guarding  it  against  the 
influence  and  opposition  of  other  sentiments. 

In  1828,  a  second  church  in  Hampden  was  formed,  and 
of  this  Mr.  Briggs  became  pastor,  leaving  the  old  one  des- 
titute. For  the  next  four  years  <hey  had  preaching  but  a 
part  of  the  time,  and  by  several  ministers,  but  union  and 
prosperity  attended  them. 

In  1833,  Eld.  Hervey  Hawes  became  their  pastor,  and 
preached  with  this  and  with  the  second  church,  alternately, 
each  receiving  one  half  of  his  labors.  With  his  ministry 
commenced  a  most  signal  revival,  which  increased  in  two 
years,  each  church  by  large  additions.  Prosperity  contin- 
ued with  Mr.  H.'s  labors  ;  and  in  1836  they  completed  a 
neat  and  convenient  brick  house  for  the  worship  of  God. 
About  this  time  a  singular  train  of  providences  introduced 
a  series  of  the  most  heart-rending  trials,  which  for  a  season 
paralyzed  almost  every  effort  of  the  church  and  pastor. 
After  much  labor  to  extricate  the  church  from  these  dis- 
tresses, with  but  little  success,  Eld.  Hawes,  in  1837,  re- 
signed his  pastoral  charge,  and  the  next  year  retired  from 
the  field.  Since  that  time  the  church  has  had  three  pas- 
tors, Elders  J.  Boyd,  T.  B.  Robinson,  and  A.  Joy.  Mem- 
bers sixty-nine. 


CHURCH  IN  WHITEFIE1.D— DIXMONT.  393 

WHITEFIELD,  (formerly  Second  Church).  In  1808  and 
1809,  there  was  an  extensive  revival  experienced  in  the 
town  in  connection  with  the  efforts  of  the  '  old  church,' 
Eld.  John  King,  a  member  of  that  church,  and  ordained  as 
an  evangelist  in  1807,  preached  with  success  in  that  part 
of  the  town  where  this  church  exists.  In  1809,  he  baptized 
several  persons  there,  and  on  the  13th  of  March,  a  church 
was  organized  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Mr.  James  Preble, 
with  nine  members.  Clement  Moody  was  chosen  deacon, 
who  still  lives  to  discharge  the  duties  of  that  office, 

This  church  has  never  had  a  pastor,  or  meeting-house. 
Yet  it  has  called  into  the  ministry  Elds.  Wm.  Bowler  and 
Robert  Lambert ;  and  while  in  the  church,  they  were  very 
useful  to  its  prosperity.  Elds.  J.  Still  and  M.  Lane,  have 
also  preached  to  their  benefit.  Says  Dea.  Moody, '  we  have 
had  many  seasons  of  mercy,  and  many  severe  and  painful 
trials  ;  but  we  have  stood.'  It  is  still  a  small,  destitute  and 
hyper-Calvinistic  church,  of  forty-seven  members.  It  has 
some  prosperity  this  year,  by  the  ministry  of  Elder  E.  J. 
White.* 

DIXMONT.  A  Baptist  church  was  gathered  in  Dixmont, 
in  1810.  Elder  John  Chadbourne  was  their  first  pastor. 
In  Sept.  of  that  year  it  had  thirty-eight  members.  Elder 
C.  was  their  pastor  two  years,  and  then  Eld.  Gideon  Cook 
took  the  charge,  and  officiated  till  1815,  with  some  success 

There  was  some  revival  in  1816  ;  Eld.  Chadbourne  was 
then  supplying  them.  From  1818,  the  church  had  but 
occasional  preaching,  and  in  1824  some  revival.  Elder 
Chadbourne  was  again  received  as  pastor  in  1827 

In  1831,  Eld.  Chadbourne  was  removed  by  death.  The 
same  year  Eld.  Reuben  S.  Mitchell  was  ordained  to  minis- 
ter for  the  church,  who  continued  little  more  than  three 
years  ;  since,  they  have  had  occasional  preaching.  In  1842, 

*Min.  L.  and  D.  Asso. 


294  CHURCH  IN  CHERRYFIELD. 

Eld.  C.  P.  St.  Glair  devoted  one  half  of  his  efforts  to  their 
benefit.  In  1843,  they  were  destitute  and  forgetful  of 
their  doctrines.  They  have  a  total  of  forty-four  members.* 

CHERRYFIELD,  (first  called  FIRST  STEUBEN).  The  town 
of  Cherryfield  began  to  be  settled  about  1760,  and  was  soon 
called  Steuben,  but  incorporated  by  its  present  name.  The 
religious  views  of  the  first  settlers  were  Congregational. 
Not  having  preaching  of  any  kind  for  many  years,  the 
moral  character  of  the  people  degenerated.  The  first 
preacher  who  visited  them  was  Rev.  E.  Snow,  in  1787. 
Others  soon  followed,  and  the  people  had  occasional  preach- 
ing, but  the  morals  of  the  place  were  but  little  improved, 
till  about  1796,  when  some  were  hopefully  converted  to 
•God.  During  the  winter  of  this  year,  the  people  of  Colum- 
bia and  Addison  experienced  some  revival  under  the  minis- 
try of  Elders  J.  Young  and  J.  Murphy.  In  March,  some 
eight  or  ten  of  the  youth  of  Cherryfield  attended  a  confer- 
ence meeting  in  Addison,  at  which  place  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  met  them,  and  all  but  one  were  awakened.  Now  a 
'  Macedonian  cry'  was  heard  in  C.,  and  Eld.  Young  came 
and  preached  Christ  to  the  people,  and  many  souls  were 
gathered  to  the  Saviour  in  a  revival  which  followed  these 
events.  In  July,  a  church  was  organized  by  the  name  of 
*  First  Steuben,'  and  J.  C.  Todd,  one  of  the  first  who  were 
baptized,  was  elected  deacon.  In  August,  Eld.  Case  visit- 
ed the  place  and  baptized  several  more  and  added  them  to 
the  church.  Eld.  Murphy  was  soon  made  its  pastor,  but 
seeing  but  little  prosperity,  he  resigned  his  charge  in  1800. 

The  next  ten  years  the  church  had  no  pastor,  but  receiv- 
ing some  ministerial  aid  by  the  occasional  visits  of  Elders 
Case,  Snow  and  H.  Hale,  it  made  some  advancement.  And 
in  1805,  it  enjoyed  some  revival,  chiefly  by  the  efforts  of 
Eld.  Hale.  Eld.  Case  baptized  most  of  the  converts,  a 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  STEUliEN.  295 

short  time  after.  Their  next  and  successful  pastor  was 
Eld.  N.  Robinson,  whose  labors  began  in  1810  and  closed 
in  1821.  This  was  a  period  of  general  and  pleasing  pros- 
perity. Since  the  termination  of  Eld.  R.'s  labors  with 
this  church,  it  has  received  the  pastoral  labors  of  Elders 
Phinehas  Bond  from  1825  to  1831 ;  Wilson  C.  Rider  from 
1834  to  1836 ;  E.  W.  Garrison  from  1836  to  1838 ;  and 
the  author  of  these  sketches,  from  1838  to  1843.  When 
destitute  of  a  pastor,  the  church  has  been  supplied  by 
Elders  Garrison,  Harris  and  Fogg,  and  when  no  supply 
could  be  obtained,  the  cause  has  been  greatly  aided  by  the 
untiring  efforts  of  the  aged  and  worthy  deacon,  Elisha 
Small.  During  the  ministry  of  these  pastors  the  church 
has  advanced,  being  blessed  with  seasons  of  special  revival. 
The  first  church  in  Harrington  owes  its  existence  to  this 
church.  The  principal  troubles  which  have  disturbed  their 
peace  and  checked  their  progress  have  been  occasioned  by 
the  instability  of  some  of  its  members.  Its  present  number 
is  ninety-eight.* 

STEUBEN,  (first  called  SECOND  STEUBEN.)  The  first 
religious  movements  in  Steuben  were  made  by  a  Mr. 
Whitney,  a  Free-will  Baptist,  and  a  small  church  was 
gathered  here  by  his  efforts.  But  its  visibility  was  soon 
lost.  As  early  as  1785,  Elder  E.  Snow  appeared  as  the  first 
Baptist  preacher  among  them.  By  his  instructions  the 
people  received  more  correct  views  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
pious  among  them  became  Baptists.  ,  He  organized  a 
church  in  1796,  but  having  no  preaching,  and  being  few 
and  much  scattered,  their  light  in  a  few  years  was  nearly 
extinguished.  In  1805  Elder  Hall  came  to  their  assistance. 
In  1806  Eld.  Case  was  instrumental  in  the  extension  of  the 
work.  Many  were  baptized  by  him  and  added  to  the 
church.  The  journal  of  Eld.  C.  furnishes  the  following 

*Ch.  Records. 


296  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  TRENTON. 

account  of  a  baptismal  season :  '  As  I  was  under  the  neces- 
sity of  leaving,  and  some  wished  to  be  baptized  before  I 
left,  we  were  obliged  to  attend  to  the  ordinance  at  sunrise. 
And,  although  it  was  a  cold  morning  in  January,  it  was  a 
pleasant  and  refreshing  season.  No  inconvenience  from 
the  cold  was  experienced,  but  so  happy  were  we  that  we 
sang  praises  to  God  before  we  retired  from  the  icy  water.' 
From  1810  to  1821,  this  church  received  one  half  of  the  use- 
ful ministry  of  Eld.  N.  Robinson,  pastor  of  the  first  church 
in  Steuben.  During  the  first  year  of  his  labors  the  church 
enjoyed  a  powerful  revival,  and  was  enlarged  to  seventy-one 
members ;  yet  it  has  since  gradually  diminished,  till  it  has 
become  a  feeble  band  of  twenty-eight  members.  It  has 
received  the  occasional  ministry  of  Elders  Johnson,  Buck, 
and  F. -Brown,  a  licentiate.* 

TRENTON,  FIRST  CHURCH.  Previous  to  any  religious 
organization  in  Trenton,  the  people  had  some  occasional 
preaching  by  travelling  ministers.  Their  character  was 
distinguished  for  morality  and  their  views  of  religion  were 
'  Calvinistic.'  In  1808  and  '09,  they  were  blessed  with 
a  revival  of  religion  by  the  ministry  of  Elder  D.  McMaster, 
a  licentiate,  and  on  the  27th  of  June,  Elder  Jason  Liver- 
more  collected  the  disciples  and  organized  a  church  of 
eight  members.  The  gracious  work  continued  till  the 
church  numbered  twenty-one  members, 

In  1816,  the  labors  of  Elders  J.  Cushman,  D.  McMas- 
ter, and  B.  Buck,  were  signally  blessed  to  the  conversion 
of  sinners  here  and  the  enlargement  of  the  church.  Be- 
tween this  time  and  1824,  the  church  passed  through  a 
season  of  perplexity  and  trial,  occasioned  principally  by 
the  imprudence  of  a  man  belonging  to  the  'Christian  Band,' 
He  sowed  the  seeds  of  discord,  stirred  up  strife,  and  thereby 
interrupted  the  peace  of  the  church.  But  God  did  not 

*J.  D.  Parker's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  SULLIVAN.  207 

forsake  them.  In  1824,  by  His  blessing  on  the  labors  of 
Elder  Cushman,  a  revival  was  experienced,  fellowship  was 
again  restored,  and  the  church  enlarged. 

On  the  12th  of  June,  1828,  their  present  pastor,  Elder 
John  King,  was  inducted  into  that  sacred  office  by  ordina- 
tion. God  has  made  him  a  rich  blessing. 

In  1832,  a  most  glorious  revival  enlarged  this  church. 
Their  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  1833.  God  has 
called  into  the  ministry,  from  this  church,  John  King, 
James  Gillpatrick,  Francis  Desisles,  and  George  Gordon. 
The  second  and  third  churches  in  that  town  have  been 
set  off  from  it,  yet  it  has  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
members. 

SULLIVAN.  As  early  as  1799,  Elder  Case  visited  Sulli- 
van, and  preached  a  few  times  at  'Salt-water  Falls.'*  He 
says  :  'I  found  but  few  established  Christians,  and  the  people 
generally  careless.  In  1801,  a  small  Congregational  church 
was  organized,  but  it  has  never  risen  to  exert  much  influ- 
ence.t  From  this  time  till  1810,  Elder  Case  performed 
missions  through  this  eastern  country  almost  annually, 
visiting  this  and  other  settlements,  laying  the  foundation 
for  Baptist  churches.  This  year,  1810,  when  he  arrived 
in  Sullivan,  he  says  he  found  'the  work  of  the  Lord.' 
This  revival  was  in  connexion  with  the  labors  of  Elder  J. 
Cushman.  Elder  Case  had  the  privilege  of  baptizing  the 
converts,  and  of  assisting  in  the  organizing  of  the  church, 
March  21 ,  with  twelve  members.  Moses  Butler  was  chosen 
clerk,  and  April  22d,  Elder  D.  McMaster  received  a  call 
to  become  pastor,  and  was  ordained  over  the  church  the 
16th  of  May.  His  ministry  was  blessed  to  the  immediate 
enlargement  of  the  church,  and  for  six  years  the  church 
prospered  under  his  labors.  1816  was  a  glorious  year  for 
this  church.  About  seventy  souls  were  added  as  the  fruits 

*Eld.  Case's  Journal.    fGreen.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  165. 


298  CHURCH  IN  SULLIVAN. 

of  a  revival.  But  this  bright  day  was  soon  darkened  by 
clouds.  A  series  of  painful  events  occurred,  which  af- 
fected the  character  and  influence  of  the  pastor,  the  church, 
and  Elder  A.  Cummings,  who  labored  some  with  them. 
The  difficulties  occasioned  a  division,  and  the  organization 
of  a  minority  into  a  separate  church.  But  God  did  n.ot 
build  the  house,  and  it  soon  fell. 

By  the  assistance  of  Elder  D.  Merrill,  in  1818,  the 
church  resumed  its  former  standing.  Elder  Cummings 
was  exhonorated  from  blame  in  the  difficulties,  and  Elder 
McMaster  was  restored  to  the  pastoral  charge.  But  their 
trials  were  not  ended.  In  1822,  the  storm  again  arose. 
Elder  McMaster,  who  it  seems  had  been  in  fault,  was  now 
censured,  on  account  of  which  he  resigned  his  place  in 
the  church,  and  the  members  offending  with  him,  saw  their 
inconsistency  and  confessed  their  wrongs.  From  this  time 
the  church,  like  Israel,  when  their  ways  pleased  the  Lord, 
could  strike  their  tents  and  go  forward.  They  now  began 
to  see  days  of  prosperity. 

Having  no  pastor,  they  secured  a  portion  of  the  ministry 
of  Elder  William  Johnson,  from  1822,  three  or  four  years. 
After  him,  Elder  B.  Buck  became  pastor  in  1820,  and  was 
useful  to  them  for  three  years.  In  1826,  the  church  united 
with  others  in  erecting  a  house  of  worship,  a  procedure 
by  no  means  favorable  to  their  prosperity.  Another  ex- 
tensive revival  cheered  and  enlarged  the  church  in  1831. 
But  as  in  the  former  instance,  this  was  immediately  suc- 
ceeded by  painful  trials,  occasioned  by  the  immoral  con- 
duct of  Elder  J.  Darling,  for  which  he  was  deposed  from 
the  ministry.  The  church  then  had  rest. 

Richard  Y.  Watson,  who  had  received  ordination  at 
Fayette,  his  native  place,  in  1829,  became  pastor  of  this 
church  in  1834.  Since  that  time  the  church  has  enjoyed 
continued  prosperity,  and  been  enlarged  by  repeated  revi- 


CHURCH  IN  CHARLESTON.  399 

vals.  At  present  Elder  Watson  preaches  with  this  and  the 
church  in  Hancock,  being  pastor  of  both.  It  has  furnished 
for  the  ministry  one  of  its  members,  Rev.  John  Johnson, 
and  originated,  by  dismissions,  a  second  church  in  Sulli- 
van, and  the  church  in  Franklin,  and  has  a  present  number 
of  one  hundred  and  sixteen  members.* 

CHARLESTON.  The  first  settlement  in  Charleston  was 
made  in  1800.  Elder  Case,  while  performing  a  mission  in 
Penobscot  county,  visited  Charleston  in  1810,  where  he 
found  a 'few  pious  persons. t  Elder  P.  Ruggles  had  antici- 
pated his  visit  by  some  occasional  preaching  ;  but  the  work 
of  laying  the  foundation  and  erecting  the  church  was  re- 
served for  Elder  Case.  On  his  first  visit  he  did  little  more 
than  to  explore  the  field.  A  Mr.  Jameson  and  wife  were 
the  only  Baptists  then  in  Charleston.  On  his  second  visit, 
the  same  year,  Mr.  Case  says,  he  'intended  only  to  spend 
the  night.'  But  by  the  earnest  entreaty  of  Mr.  James 
Norcross,  then  a  Methodist,  but  afterwards  a  worthy  deacon 
in  the  Baptist  church,  he  consented  to  return  to  Charleston, 
after  fulfilling  some  appointments  previously  made  in  other 
places.  He  did  so.  It  was  Friday  evening,  and  in  con- 
versation with  Mr.  Norcross,  he  perceived  that  he  was 
convinced  of  his  errors,  from  the  following  questions  and 
answers  which  passed  :  Mr.  Norcross  asked,  'What  do  you 
think  about  gathering  a  Baptist  church  here?'  Mr.  Case 
replied,  'that  he  did  not  know  as  there  were  suitable  ma- 
terials.' Mr.  Norcross  then  said,  with  strong  confidence 
in  God,  and  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  'I  believe  there  will  be.' 
Mr.  Case  replied,  'according  to  thy  faith  be  it  unto  thee. 
Mr.  Case  bo^an  to  labor,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  began  to 
work ;  and  the  two  following  Sabbaths  persons  were  bap- 
tized, among  whom  were  James  and  Jesse  Norcross.  Be- 

*Eld.  S.  Fogg's  Com.  and  Min.  H.  A. 
i Facts  gathered  from  Eld.  C.'s  Jour  ,  1810. 


300  CHURCH  IN  CHARLESTON. 

fore  Mr.  Case  left,  Mr.  Ruggles  came  to  their  assistance, 
and  aided  in  organizing  the  church. 

In  May  1811,  Eld.  Case  visited  the  church,  and  several 
persons  who  were  waiting  for  baptism  now  had  the  privi- 
lege of  honoring  Christ  in  the  ordinance,  among  whom 
was  a  Mrs.  D.  whose  conversion  was  too  remarkable  to  be 
forgotten.  We  had  a  relation  of  the  circumstances  con- 
nected with  that  event  from  herself,  and  so  singular  was 
the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  Elder  Case  has  all  the 
circumstances  as  related  by  her  at  the  time,  in  perfect 
recollection.  The  circumstances  were  as  follows  :  When 
but  a  youth,  while  on  a  party  sleigh  ride  from  Hampden  to 
Bangor,  on  the  river,  and  in  a  sleigh  drawn  by  two  horses, 
the  ice  gave  way,  and  Mrs.  D.,  with  her  companions,  were 
plunged  beneath  the  watery  element,  but  fortunately  all 
but  the  horses  were  saved.  During  this  immersion  of  Mrs. 
D.,  her  soul  by  the  instantaneous  and  powerful  working  of 
the  Spirit  was  converted  to  God.  The  rapid  progress  of 
thought  and  experience  in  this  short  moment,  as  she  dis- 
tinctly recollects,  was  as  she  was  falling,  a  most  vivid  and 
impressive  thought  of  death  filled  her  mind.  This  was 
instantly  succeeded  by  an  overwhelming  consciousness  of 
her  sins,  her  guilt,  and  her  just  condemnation,  and  this 
with  a  view  of  the  character  and  law  of  God  shining  in 
incomprehensible  brightness  reflecting  his  love  and  justice ; 
and  then  in  a  moment  every  energy  of  her  soul  seemed 
concentrated  in  one  unyielding  desire  for  mercy.  At  this 
instant  those  who  escaped  from  the  water,  drew  her  upon 
the  unbroken  ice,  when  her  soul  was  filled  with  love  to 
God  and  Christ,  and  her  tongue  unloosed  to  praise  his 
name.  She  says  that  '  she  hardly  thought  of  her  temporal 
salvation,  but  with  unutterable  astonishment  and  gratitude, 
she  beheld  that  glorious  grace  which  gave  her  heavenly 
delight.'  This  was  no  delusion.  Her  subsequent  life  of 
piety  is  evidence  of  its  reality. 


CHURCH  IN  BELMONT— CASTINE,  301 

The  church  moved  on  from  year  to  year,  with  influence 
and  enlargement  by  the  occasional  labors  of  Elders  B. 
Ames,  P.  Ruggles  and  B.  Bisbee,  and  some  others.  In 
1814,  Eld.  Henry  Hale  became  its,  first  pastor.  He  offi- 
ciated about  ten  years  and  resigned  his  charge,  but  still 
lives  to  aid  the  church  by  his  counsels  and  prayers.  Since 
Eld.  Hale  resigned,  the  church  has  had  four  pastors ;  Eld. 
John  Roundy,  the  author  of  this  work,  John  Johnson  and 
S.  S.  Brovvnson,  the  present  incumbent.  During  the  min- 
istry of  the  first  three,  the  church  enjoyed  revivals  and 
prospered,  but  not  without  most  severe  trials.  These  trials 
were  most  afflicting  to  the  church  during  the  last  part  of  the 
second  pastor's  administration,  and  a  few  years  next  after  his 
dismission ;  and  although  after  much  labor  they  consider- 
ably diminished,  yet,  their  influence  have  more  or  less  af- 
fected the  progress  of  the  church  during  the  ministry  of 
each  subsequent  pastor.  It  is  now,  however,  rising  above 
them  and  making  more  rapid  advancement,  with  one  hun- 
dred and  eleven  members.  It  once  numbered  one  hundred 
and  sixty.* 

BELMONT,  (first  called  GREENE.)  It  appears  from  the  Min- 
utes of  Lincoln  Association,  that  a  Baptist  church  was 
gathered  in  Belmont  in  1809,  and  in  1811  it  had  twenty- 
four  members.  In  1819  Eld.  J.  Bridges  was  returned  as 
pastor;  members  thirty-eight.  But  it  was  dropped  from 
the  Association  in  1821.  In  1842  another  church  was 
organized  with  twenty-one  members.  'Eld.  Daniel  Farn- 
ham  was  pastor  in  1843.  The  church  had  increased  to 
thirty-eight  members.t 

CASTINE.  A  church  of  thirteen  members  was  gathered 
in  Castine  about  the  year  1812,  as  the  fruits  of  migration, 
and  the  occasional  preaching  of  missionaries  and  itinerant 
preachers.  But  it  never  prospered  and  soon  lost  its  visibility. 

'Gathered  from  the  Rec.,  Eld.  C.'s  jour,  and  Rev.  C.  T.  Norcross'Com. 
tMin.  of  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


. 
302       FREEDOM— 2D  MONTVlLLE— ISLE  AU  HACT. 

FREEDOM,  (ftrst  called  BEAVERHILL.)  The  Baptists  in 
Freedom  were  first  gathered  in  that  part  of  the  town  called 
(  Beaverhill,'  in  1805,  by  the  labors  of  Eld.  N.  Robinson, 
and  united  with  the  first  church  in  Palermo,  of  which  Mr, 
R.  was  then  pastor,  (see  history  of  that  church.)  In  1812 
there  was  some  revival  in  Palermo  and  Beaverhill,  and  for 
the  convenience  of  the  brethren  in  the  latter  place,  they 
were  embodied  into  a  separate  church.  They  had  forty-six 
members.  In  1814  Thaddeus  Bailey  received  a  license  to 
preach  and  was  beneficial  to  the  church.  In  1821,  Elder 
Daniel  Ricker  received  the  pastoral  charge,  and  labored 
with  them  till  1834,  though  not  the  pastor  so  long.  Eld.  E, 
Coy  next  aided  the  church  for  three  years  with  a  part  of  his 
ministry.  Since  1838  they  have  had  no  pastor,  and  but  a 
small  amount  of  preaching.  During  ten  years  their  number 
has  decreased  about  one  half,  including  some  small  dismis- 
sions to  aid  in  the  formation  of  other  churches.  Their 
present  number  is  thirty-three.* 

SECOND  MONTVILLE.  This  church  originated  with  a 
revival  which  West  the  people  of  Montville  in  1812,  under 
the  labors  of  Elder  Job  Cushman,  pastor  of  the  first  churchr 
and  Wm.  Davis,  then  a  licentiate,  who  united  with  the 
second.  In  September  of  that  year,  it  had  thirty-three 
members.  For  nearly  twenty  years  it  was  not  blessed  with 
a  pastor,  or  many  gospel  privileges,  consequently  it  enjoyed 
far  less  prosperity  than  the  first  church.  Its  numbers  suf- 
fered a  gradual  decrease.  During  its  existence  and  pro- 
gress, it  received  some  ministerial  aid  from  Eld.  Simon 
Fuller,  but  its  vitality  was  too  near  extinguished  to  be 
revived  by  the  application  of  any  outward  means;  and  it 
lost  its  name  and  place  among  the  churches  in  1832.t 

ISLE  AU  HAUT.  On  the  Isle  au  Haut  God  revived  his 
work  in  1815,  by  the  ministry  of  Eld.  Samuel  Allen  of  Deer 

*Min.  L.  and  W.  Asso.    fMin  of  L.  A.  and  W.  A.,  1812  and  1831. 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  THOMASTON.  3Q3 

Isle,  and  a  church  of  seventeen  members  was  organized 
and  put  under  his  charge.  The  next  year  the  blessing  of 
revival  was  conferred  upon  Deer  Isle,  by  which  the  church 
there  was  enlarged,  and  for  the  good  of  both,  the  two 
churches  united  in  one  body.  This  connection  continued 
till  1838,  when  the  branch  on  the  Isle  au  Haut  withdrew 
and  joined  a  church  on  the  '  Little  Deer  Isle.' 

THIRD  CHURCH  IN  CHINA,  (first  called  SECOND  HAR- 
LEM.) See  history  of  the  first  church,  p.  151. 

SECOND  THOMASTON.  As  the  inhabitants  increased  in 
Thomaston,  so  increased  the  Baptists  among  them.  By 
frequent  revivals  the  first  church  became  numerous  and  cov- 
ered a  large  territory.  Owing  to  the  distance  from  the  west 
village  where  a  large  part  of  the  members  resided,  and  to 
the  increasing  call  for  their  united  labors  in  that  rapidly 
growing  place,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  embody  these 
brethren  into  a  separate  church.  They  therefore  took 
their  leave  of  the  mother  church,  and  were  recognized 
on  the  20th  of  January,  1816  ;  Job  Washburu  was  chosen 
deacon,  and  Hezekiah  Prince,  church  clerk.  The  former 
afterwards  became  its  useful  pastor,  and  the  latter  render- 
ed during  his  life  most  efficient  services  to  the  church. 
Eld.  S.  Baker  preached  one  Sabbath  in  a  month  till  the 
next  December.  From  that  time  to  1820,  they  received 
the  occasional  labors  of  Eld.  A.  Fuller  and  Eld.  B.  Ames. 
The  following  circumstance  shows  how  this  church  vener- 
ate the  Christian  Sabbath.  The  first  cas'e  of  exclusion  was 
for  setting  fire  to  a  brick-kiln,  so  as  to  violate  the  require- 
ments of  that  day. 

Eld.  John  Wakefield  received  ordination  by  the  call  of 
this  church,  and  labored  with  them  as  an  evangelist  a  part 
of  the  time,  about  two  years.  In  1822  deacon  Washburn 
was  ordained  as  an  evangelist.  He  was  elected  pastor  in 
1824,  and  continued  to  officiate  till  1841.  Under  his  initi- 


304  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  SEDGWICK. 

istry  the  church  enjoyed  more  than  usual  prosperity,  and 
were  blessed  with  several  extensive  revivals ;  and  from 
strong  attachment  to  Eld.  W.,  on  the  part  of  many,  there 
was  some  unpleasant  altercation  in  view  of  his  dismission. 
But  soon  the  excitement  passed  away,  and  the  church 
united  in  the  settlement  of  William  Lamson,  who  served 
them  one  year.  In  1836  there  was  a  division  of  this  church, 
the  circumstances  of  which  make  it  an  event  important  to 
the  history  of  the  Baptists  in  this  village.  By  mutual 
agreement,  that  part  of  the  church  living  in  the  east  part 
of  the  village,  and  about  the  old  house  of  worship,  were 
organized  by  the  name  of  the  '  First  Baptist  church  in 
West  Thomaston.'  For  the  circumstances  which  led  the 
way  for  this  division,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  history  of 
that  church.  Eld.  Washburn  became  a  member  of  that 
new  church  in  1841,  and  has  since  officiated  as  chaplain  in 
the  State  prison.  A  commodious,  but  perhaps  too  expen- 
sive house  of  worship  had  been  erected  in  1837.  During 
the  summer  of  '42,  their  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev.  E. 
Hutchinson.  In  November  Rev.  A.  Felch  became  their 
pastor,  who  continued  one  year.  [Rev.  L.  B.  Allen  was 
their  pastor  in  1845.] 

SECOND  SEDGWICK.  A  part  of  the  members  of  the  first 
church  in  Sedgwick,  living  at  what  is  called  '  Sedgwick 
Bay,'  a  place  some  distance  from  the  centre  of  the  town, 
a  separation  was  deemed  advisable.  A  second  church  was 
organized  in  1828  of  thirty-five  members.  By  the  Lord's 
blessing,  in  a  few  months  this  number  was  nearly  doubled. 
Eld.  E.  Pinkham  was  pastor  from  1828  to  1832,  and  from 
1835  to  1839;  Eld.  Amos  Allen  1834,  and  Eld.  L.  King- 
man  1841,  and  Eld.  S.  M.  Rice  1843.  And  the  church 
has  been  much  assisted  by  the  occasional  labors  of  Eld.  N. 
of  the  first  church.*  God  has  frequently  revived  his  work 

Molm  C.  Tibbelt's  Com. 


SECOND  BROOKSVILLE— MT.  DESERT.      3Q5 

among  them,  so  that  now  they  are  prosperous,  with  one 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  members. 

BROOKSVILLE,  (first  called  SECOND  SEDGWICK.)  This 
church  originated  with  the  first  church  in  Sedgwick.  In 
the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  Brooksville,  a  number  of  per- 
sons became  pious  in  1816,  by  means  of  an  extensive 
revival  in  Sedgwick.  Forty-one  were  dismissed  from  S., 
who  united  with  others  in  forming  this  church  in  B.  It 
had  sixty-eight  members  in  September.  Eld.  A.  Allen  soon 
began  to  labor  for  their  spiritual  advancement,  and  be- 
came its  pastor  in  1818,  and  was  their  useful  leader  till 
1833,  when  the  church  had  a  total  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty-one.  He  was  succeeded  by  Eld.  Ebenezer  Mirick, 
their  present  pastor.  And  although  a  faithful  minister  of 
Jesus  Christ,  yet  the  church  since  1834,  has  sustained  a 
net  loss  of  eight  members.  There  have  been  in  this  period 
large  dismissions  to  aid  other  churches.  Of  its  members, 
Lemuel  Norton  and  Noah  Norton,  Jr.,  have  become  min- 
isters. It  has  one  hundred  and  eighty-three  members,  and 
enjoys  moderate  prosperity.* 

SECOND  BROOKSVILLE.  During  the  same  revival  in  1816, 
and  soon  after  the  first  church  in  B.  was  embodied,  a 
second  church  was  organized.  The  next  year  when  it 
united  with  the  Association,  it  numbered  thirty-six,  and 
had  for  its  pastor,  Eld.  Edward  Carter.  This  was  among 
the  unwise  movements  of  Baptists.  In  1824  the  pastor 
became  discouraged  and  gave  up  his  charge,  and  after 
struggling  without  progress  till  1833,  they  were  dropped 
by  the  Association,  and  the  brethren  advised  to  unite  with 
the  first  church.  In  1832,  they  numbered  twenty-two,  and 
in  1834,  fourteen  united  with  the  first  church. t 

MT.  DESERT.  The  early  settlement  of  this  mountainous 
Island  is  full  of  interest  to  the  historian.  For  particulars 

*Min.  L.  E.  M.  and  II.  Asso.    tRec.  of  Asso. 


306  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  BROOKSVILLE. 

we  must  refer  the  reader  to  Williamson's  history  of  Maine, 
vol.  1,  pp.  193,  201  and  216.  It  was  on  this  spot  that  two 
Jesuits,  Bairde  and  Masse,  first  planted  the  Papal  cross  on 
the  soil  of  Maine  in  1608 ;  and  it  was  here  that  a  French 
colony  was  soon  after  commenced  and  a  fort  of  defence  erect- 
ed. But  as  we  have  seen,  the  French  were  driven  in  1613, 
from  the  Island  by  the  colonists  of  Virginia — the  Papal 
cross  thrown  down  and  another  erected  in  honor  of  the 
Anglican  Episcopacy.  From  this  time  till  after  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  the  Island  remained  a  desert  indeed.  Then 
commenced  a  permanent  settlement,  and  soon  Congrega- 
tionalists  began  to  favor  the  people  with  the  gospel  by  their 
missionaries,  and  '  previous  to  1798,'  they  had  a  church 
on  the  Island. 

Previous  to  1790,  Elders  E.  Snow  and  Case  raised  the 
Baptist  standard  on  the  Island,  and  this  year,  a  very  exten" 
sive  revival  on  the  northern  side  of  the  Island  was  witnessed 
by  them ;  and  in  1799,  a  church  was  constituted  there, 
now  Eden.*  The  true  light  which  now  began  to  shine, 
soon  cast  its  radiance  over  the  whole  Island,  and  Baptists 
multiplied  in  every  part  of  the  Island.  But  in  Mt.  Desert, 
the  southern  part,  those  who  embraced  their  sentiments 
remained  in  the  Congregational  connection  till  1816.  This 
year,  this  part  of  the  Island  was  blessed  with  a  revival,  and 
those  who  had  been  halting  between  two  opinions,  now 
decided  for  the  Baptists,  left  the  Congregational  church, 
and  were  with  others  embodied  into  a  church,  consisting 
of  fifteen  members.  The  principal  minister  in  this  work 
was  Eld.  Bryant  Lenin,  who,  with  Eld.  Case  and  a  council, 
organized  the  church.  It  was  a  small  building,  but  being 
'  fitly  framed  together,'  it  prospered,  and  in  one  year  its 
number  was  more  than  doubled.  Being  destitute  of  a 
pastor,  and  meeting  with  some  opposition  from  the  church 

*Eki.  Case's  Jour.  1799. 


CHURCH   IN  MONROE— APPLETON.  3Q7 

which  some  had  left  for  '  conscience  sake,'  and  for  the 
truth,  they  experienced  but  few  alterations  for  seven  years, 
In  1821  Eld.  L.  Norton  became  pastor,  and  officiated  six 
years,  but  his  course  was  fruitful  of  trials  rather  than  suc- 
cess. He  was  dismissed  therefore  in  1828,  and  has  since 
became  a  Free-will  Baptist  preacher.  During  the  next  five 
years,  the  winds  howled  and  the  storms  beat  against  the 
church,  but  its  faith  was  not  enfeebled,  nor  its  hope  with- 
ered. And  in  1833  the  anticipated  blessing  came  in  a 
most  refreshing  and  extensive  revival,  which  strengthened 
the  church  by  an  addition  of  thirty-eight  members.  The 
ability  of  the  church  was  now  increased,  and  they  extended 
a  call  to  Eld.  Calvin  L.  Gary  to  become  their  pastor,  who 
was  ordained  over  them  in  July  17,  1833. 

With  the  occupancy  of  their  old  house  of  worship,  they 
bad  many  severe  trials,  there  being  other  owners  in  part, 
but  now  they  have  rest  in  their  own  new  house,  built  in 
1837.  The  church  owns  a  fourth  of  another  house  in 
another  part  of  the  Island.  Few  churches  have  been  more 
harmonious  among  themselves  than  this,  and  none  more 
prompt  in  discipline.  It  has  one  hundred  and  thirty-one 
members,  who  are  engaged  in  the  various  works  of  benev- 
olence.* 

MONROE,  (first  called  HERMON.)  A  church  of  twenty 
members  was  gathered  here  in  1816.  Eld.  R.  Lambert 
has  labored  with  them  during  two  short  periods.  But  for 
want  of  correct  instruction  they  fell  out  by  the  way.  By 
receiving  members  excluded  from  the  church  in  Frankfort, 
they  exposed  themselves  to  the  censures  of  the  Waldo 
Association,  and  they  withdrew  from  that  body  in  1836, 
but  were  restored  in  1840.t  The  church  is  still  a  feeble 
and  destitute  body  of  but  twenty-two  members. 

APPLETON.     Previous  to  a  revival  of  the  work  of  God 

_  i.  ...  -ii'Mi  •  .. v  :       .'•-iJe  i-'.^iiMU 

*Rev.  C.  L.  Card's  Com.  and 31  in.  of  H.  A.     fMin.  W.  Asso.* 


308  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  ST.  GEORGE. 

in  1816,  '  vice  and  immorality'  abounded  in  Appleton,  and 
but  here  and  there  a  praying  person  could  be  found.  This 
year  the  Lord  sent  his  servant,  Eld.  John  Roundy,  among 
the  people,  whom  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  made  a  messenger 
of  mercy  to  many  souls.  Materials  for  a  church  were  now 
prepared  and  brought  together.  The  church  was  organized 
in  October,  consisting  of  twenty  members.  About  the 
same  time  Eld.  Abiathar  Richardson  began  to  preach  to 
their  edification.  He  was  ordained  their  pastor  in  Octo- 
ber, 1820.  The  church  has  never  been  blessed  with 
extensive  revivals,  but  with  a  general  prosperity.  Its 
numerical  increase  has  been  however  small,  consequently 
they  have  not  been  able  to  provide  for  their  accommodation 
a  house  of  worship.  In  1822  some  of  its  members  were 
dismissed  to  aid  the  embodiment  of  a  church  in  Searsmont. 
Its  prospects  are  good.  It  numbers  forty-three  members.* 

SECOND  ST.  GEORGE.  The  Baptists  in  St.  George  mul- 
tiplied rapidly  under  the  able  and  faithful  ministry  of  Eld. 
Ames.  For  the  extension  of  their  influence  and  usefulness, 
it  was  judged  expedient  that  a  second  church  be  set  off 
from  the  first  in  1817.  It  was  organized  in  Sept.  with 
eighty  members.  Till  1837,  Eld.  Ames  officiated  as  pastor 
in  both  churches,  preaching  one  half  of  the  time  with  each, 
and  God  blessed  his  labors  with  wonderful  success.  Both 
churches  were  blessed  with  a  revival. 

In  1838,  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson  became  its  pastor,  when 
both  churches  had  a  constant  ministry,  and  both  were  again 
blessed  with  a  refreshing  from  the  divine  presence.  To 
the  second  church  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  were  added 
by  baptism.  Eld.  Johnson  continued  with  them  about  two 
years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Eld.  Alfred  Lothrop,  when 
the  church  was  again  enlarged  by  a  revival.  In  1840,  its  nu- 
merical strength  was  now  nearly  double  that  of  the  mother 

*U.  N.  Dyer,  Ch.  Clk.,  Com.  and  Rec.  of  Min. 


CHURCH  IN  EDEN— PROSPECT— 2D  NOBLEBORO'.   3Q9 

church,     In  1843,  it  numbered  two  hundred  and  fifty-two.* 

EDEN.  (See  his.  of  Mt.  Desert  church).  Elders  Snow 
and  Case  visited  this  part  of  the  Island  as  early  as  1790. 
In  1799,  God  revived  his  work  here  under  their  ministry. t 
A  church  was  organized,  with  thirty  members.  In  1801, 
Benj.  Downs  became  its  pastor  ;  but  his  unchristian  con- 
duct brought  the  church  into  severe  trials,  and  for  about 
fifteen  years,  they  had  little  rest.  In  1812,  Eld.  Lemuel 
Jackson  endeavored  to  restore  prosperity,  and  was  partially 
successful.  In  1814,  Samuel  Swett  became  pastor  ;  but 
by  unchaste  conduct,  he  brought  another  dark  cloud  over 
the  prospects  of  the  church,  and  occasioned  his  own  dis- 
missal from  the  ministry.  But  notwithstanding  these 
disasters,  the  church  made  some  progress,  and  sustained 
respectability.  Sympathy  and  compassion  were  enlisted  in 
its  favor,  and  timely  aid  was  afforded  them.  Elder  Case 
made  them  frequent  visits  and  comforted  them.  In  1816, 
Eld.  Lemuel  Rich  preached  here  with  some  success. 

In  1817,  Eld.  Enoch  Huntting  became  the  town's  min- 
ister and  the  church's  pastor.  By  a  wise  and  faithfuji 
ministry,  he  led  them  forward  fifteen  years,  and  was  much 
beloved  by  the  people.  He  resigned  in  1832,  leaving  the 
church  in  a  prosperous  state.  Since  that  time  they  have 
had  no  pastor,  and  consequently  their  cause  has  been  retro- 
grade. Members,  ninety-eight.J 

PROSPECT.  A  church  of  eleven  members  was  gathered 
in  Prospect  in  1817,  by  Eld.  Thomas-Merrill.  In  1825,  it 
was  left  destitute,  and  in  1836,  the  Association  dropped  the 
church,  and  recommended  the  members,  twenty  in  all,  to 
unite  with  other  churches  most  convenient.^ 

SECOND  NOBLEBOROUGH.  Nobleborough  is  a  town 
which  has  been  highly  favored  of  the  Lord.  It  has  been 

*Rec.  of  the  Asso.  fEld.  Case's  Jour.  ^Comfort  Thomas'  Com.  and 
Rec.  of  Asso.  §Rec.  of  Asso.— Waldo  Asso.  1836. 

14* 


310  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  NOBLEJiORO'. 

distinguished  for  extensive  revivals  of  religion.  The  first 
church  under  the  ministry  of  Elder  Pilsbury,  increased 
with  unusual  rapidity,  and  its  influence  was  felt  in  adjoin- 
ing towns.  In  J819  a  second  church  organized  with  four- 
teen members.  They  resided  in  the  towns  of  Nobleboro', 
Bristol,  and  New  Castle.  Elder  Manning,  of  Nova  Scotia, 
preached  the  constituting  sermon.  Most  of  these  original 
members  have  entered  into  '  rest.' 

Elder  A.  Judson,  from  Plymouth,  Mass.,  (father  of  the 
Missionary,)  was  their  pastor  two  years.  In  1823,  Elder 
D.  Dunbar,  from  Scotland,  then  from  New  Brunswick, 
became  their  pastor.  God  owned  his  ministry.  In  1824 
a  very  general  revival  added  ninety  to  the  church.  Mr. 
Dunbar  left  this  for  another  field  of  usefulness.  Elder 
Winthrop  Morse  was  their  next  preacher  about  one  year, 
and  Elder  C.  Blanchard  became  pastor  in  1827.  In  1832, 
the  prospects  for  a  general  revival  began  to  brighten,  and 
the  next  year  the  blessing  was  abundantly  realized.  Sev- 
enty-five were  added  by  baptism,  as  the  ingathering  of  the 
harvest.  Elder  B.  resigned  in  1836,  and  the  church  was 
supplied  till  1838,  with  preaching  by  Elders  J.  F.  Burbank, 
and  P.  Pilsbury.  Elder  W.  T.  Sargent  was  pastor  from  his 
ordination,  1838,  about  one  year  ;  after  him  they  had  a 
supply  from  Thos.  Frost,  at  Thorn aston.  These  frequent 
changes  operated  unfavorably  on  the  general  prosperity  of 
the  church,  although  some  temporary  good  was  done  by 
occasional  efforts.  Elder  H.  Hawes  entered  on  the  pasto- 
ral office  here  in  1841,  and  has  been  eminently  blessed 
in  two  extensive  revivals.  They  have  recently  built  a  large 
and  convenient  meeting-hoqse,  and  are  progressing  in  the 
various  religious  enterprises,  with  a  total  of  two  hundred 
aud  eighty-six  members,  making  a  net  increase  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty-three  since  Mr.  H.  began  to  labor  with  them.* 

"Joseph  Colter's  Com.,  and  Records  of  Asso. 


CHURCH  LN  BANGOR.  31 1 

BANGOR.  About  the  year  1780  settlements  began  to  ap- 
pear along  the  banks  of  the  Penobscot  river,  and  a  few 
families  had  gained  a  residence  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kendus- 
keag,  where  now  is  the  city  of  Bangor.  As  this  settle- 
ment increased,  professors  of  religion  also  increased.  The 
Congregationalists,  who  now  sustain  so  prominent  an  influ- 
ence in  the  city,  were  the  first  to  make  religious  efforts  in 
the  settlement,  by  their  missionary,  Rev.  Mr.  Noble,  who 
was  sent  by  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  in  1788,  to 
itinerate  for  the  spiritual  good  of  those  new  settlements  on 
the  Penobscot.  He  was  succeeded  by  a  Mr.  Boyd,  in 
1800,  and  the  latter  by  Rev.  Mr.  Loomis,  in  1811,  when  a 
Congregational  church  was  organized  in  Bangor.*  It  is 
believed  that  '  as  early  as  1802,  Baptist  principles  were  in- 
troduced into  Bangor  '  The  Baptists  were  so  few,  and 
their  sentiments  and  religious  practices  so  little  loved  by 
the  people  generally,  that  for  several  years  it  was  thought 
inadvisable  to  organize  a  church.  They  therefore  attended 
upon  the  Congregational  ministry,  to  the  support  of  which 
they  '  were  obliged  to  contribute.'  In  1817  they  commen- 
ced holding  special  prayer  meetings  at  their  dwelling- 
houses.  How  sure  the  promises  of  God!  When  his  elect 
cry  unto  Him  day  and  night,  He  will  avenge  them  speedily. 
In  November  of  that  year,  by  the  direction  of  the  Maine 
Missionary  Society,  Elder  Case  commenced  a  mission  in 
the  counties  of  Waldo  and  Penobscot.t  In  December  he 
visited  Bangor,  and  finding  a  few  hungry,  thirsty,  and 
anxious  Baptists,  he  remained  a  short  time  with  them,  and 
by  his  prayers,  preaching  and  counsels,  they  '  were  cheered 
and  encouraged.' 

During  this  missionary  visit,  Elder  C  baptized  two  per- 
sons, the  first  administration  of  the  ordinance  agreeably  to 
gospel  direction  and  example  in  town,t  and  by  his  advice  a 

*Grecu.  Eccl.  Sk.  pp.  218,  219.    fEltl.  Case's  Journal,  1817. 


312  CHURCH  IN  BANGOR. 

council  was  convened,  whom  he  assisted  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  church,  the  same  month,  consisting  of  eleven 
members,  five  males  and  six  females. 

At  this  time  the  population  of  Bangor  did  not  exceed 
probably  the  number  of  one  thousand,  and  among  these  was  a 
Congregational  church,  and  a  Methodist  congregation.  In 
the  aggregate,  the  Baptist  influence  was  small,  and  their 
disadvantages  many.  '  Although  the  road  was  open  for  a 
rapid  progress  in  the  Christian  race,  as  private  Christians, 
yet  as  members  of  a  visible  church,  they  had  assumed  new 
duties,  relations,  and  responsibilities ;'  and  to  accomplish 
the  work  '  of  their  high  calling,'  it  required  much  patience, 
perseverance,  and  more  than  all,  'living  faith.'  For  two 
years  they  had  no  regular  preaching,  but  held  stated  meet- 
ings for  devotion,  and  had  comfort  among  themselves.  In 
1819,  Eld.  Otis  Briggs  became  their  pastor,  and  aided  their 
advancement  about  two  years. 

In  1827,  feeling  the  inconvenience  of  meeting  in  private 
dwellings  and  in  school  houses,  they  began  to  desire  a  more 
suitable  place  of  worship.  But  there  were  difficulties  in 
the  way.  Their  number  was  few,  and  their  means  inade- 
quate to  the  undertaking.  But  they  resolved  to  make  the 
trial ;  nor  was  their  attempt  in  vain.  They  found  liberal 
friends.  Among  their  contributors,  was  the  late  N.  R. 
Cobb,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  and  the  Hon.  N.  Brown,  of  Provi- 
dence. In  1828,  the  house  was  completed  at  a  cost  of 
810,000.  It  is  a  brick  edifice,  fifty  feet  by  seventy  feet, 
and  furnished  with  a  good  bell,  mostly  by  the  generous  lib- 
erality of  the  late  B.  Bussey,  Esq.,  and  J.  P.  Boyd,  Esq.  It 
occupies  a  central  and  favorable  position  in  the  city.  While 
the  work  of  building  was  in  progress,  God  in  great  mercy 
smiled  on  the  builders. 

The  State  Convention  sent  a  missionary  to  their  assist- 
ance, Rev.  Isaac  S.  Smith,  and  God  went  with  him.  He 


CHURCH  IN  WINDSOR— NEW  CASTLE.      313 

was  followed  by  brethren  E.  Going  and  A.  Wilson.  Sixty- 
one  were  baptized  and  added  to  the  church.  Since  that 
memorable  period,  the  church  has  prospered  under  the  la- 
bors of  several  pastors,  who  have  officiated  in  the  church 
successively  as  follows  :  T.  B.  Ripley,  from  1828  to  1834; 
T.  Curtis,  from  1834  to  1837;  A.  Wilson,  of  Portland, 
from  1838  to  1841  ;  and  J.  Chaplin,  their  present  pastor, 
since  1842.  This  church  has  granted  licenses  to  nine  of 
its  members.  Its  present  number  is  two  hundred  and  forty- 
three.* 

WINDSOR.  This  town  was  first  called  Malta,  next  Ger- 
ry, and  then  Windsor.  In  1819,  a  church  of  fifteen  mem- 
bers was  gathered  here  by  the  name  of  Malta.  In  1821  it 
disappears  from  the  records  of  the  Association  ;  but  in  1829 
a  second  church  in  Malta  appeared,  with  twenty-six  mem- 
bers. Eld.  E.  Trask  was  their  pastor  from  1830,  about 
three  years.  They  have  since  generally  had  stated  preach- 
ing a  portion  of  the  time.  They  have  eighty-nine  members.t 

NEW  CASTLE  AND  ALNA.  New  Castle  was  among  the 
early  settlements  in  the  Pemaquid  country.  A  fort  was 
erected  on  a  neck  of  land  on  the  Sheepscot  river,  but  it 
was  destroyed  by  the  Indians,  with  all  the  buildings  in  the 
settlement,  in  IGSO.f  It  was  not  recommenced  until  about 
1750.  Soon  after  this  last  beginning,  the  Presbyterians, 
by  the  direction  of  the  '  Boston  Presbytery,'  established  a 
missionary  here.  After  a  series  of  difficulties,  the  Presby- 
terians were  displaced  by  the  Congregationalists  about  the 
year  177(5,  under  the  pastorate  of  a  Mr.  Whiting.^ 

The  first  sermon  preached  here  by  a  Baptist,  was  by 
Eld.  Case,  in  1784,  while  on  his  first  journey  to  Thomas- 
ton,  which  was  followed  by  occasional  preaching  by  him 
and  others.  A  few  became  Baptists  and  united  with  the 

*Com.  hy  M.  Giddings,  Ch.  Clk.  fMin.  L.  and  W.  Asso.  JSuIlivan,  p. 
165.  $Green.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  100,  &c. 


314  CHURCH  IN  WALDO. 

church  in  Thomaston,  as  early  as  1786;*  but  afterwards 
united  with  the  Baptists  in  Nobleboro'.  For  many  years 
they  were  but  little  known,  and  gained  but  a  limited  influ- 
ence in  town,  while  the  sentiments  of  Pedo-baptism  was 
gaining  a  dominant  power  over  the  people.  It  was  not  till 
1820,  that  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  organize  a  church 
on  the  New  Castle  side  of  the  river,  and  even  then  there 
were  but  twelve  persons  to  unite  in  the  Baptist  Articles. 
They  commenced  however  from  a  regard  to  duty,  and  with 
faith  in  God.  For  many  years  the  purity  of  their  love  and 
the  strength  of  their  faith  were  tested  by  continuous  trials 
and  disadvantages.  The  church  remained  nearly  station- 
ary till  1831,  when  God,  by  a  blessing  upon  the  labors  of 
Gardner  Walker,  a  licentiate,  revived  his  work  in  New 
Castle  and  Alna,  and  made  additions  to  their  number.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  a  day  of  prosperity.  From  1834  to 
1836,  Eld.  E.  R.  Warren  was  their  pastor.  In  1842,  a 
glorious  era  in  the  history  of  this  church  commenced.  '  At 
a  quarterly  meeting  held  with  this  church  in  the  autumn  of 
this  year,  the  Lord  commenced  a  most  interesting  revival, 
which  extended  into  1843 — added  by  baptism  one  hundred 
and  fifty-nine  to  the  church,  and  resulted,  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  work,  in  the  settlement  of  Eld.  William  Day  as 
pastor,  who  was  eminently  successful  in  promoting  this 
work.  This  connexion  still  continues,  and  the  church  is 
prospering,  with  two  hundred  and  twenty-one  members.t 
WALDO.  A  church  of  twelve  members  was  organized 
here  in  1820.  Having  no  meeting  house,  they  have  been 
driven  from  place  to  place,  and  when  ejected  from  school 
houses,  their  own  'dwellings  have  been  their  bethels.  They 
have  not  had  preaching  more  than  one-fourth  of  the  time 
from  their  organization.  It  has  been  aided  by  the  untiring 
efforts  of  its  worthy  deacon,  N.  Gurney.  By  these  means, 

*Eld.  Case's  Journal.    fMin.  '-  A. 


CHURCH  IN  DOVER.  315 

under  God,  it  has  sustained  visibility,  and  exerted  a  favor- 
able influence  on  society.     Its  present  number  is  thirty.* 

DOVER.  The  forests  in  Dover  began  to  yield  to  the 
early  settlers  in  1803.  It  was  long  however,  before  the 
inconveniences  of  a  new  country  were  overcome,  and  resi- 
dence was  gained  here  with  comparative  ease.  The  first 
pious  persons  in  town  were  emigrants  from  distant  churches. 
For  many  years  there  was  no  religious  society  in  the  settle- 
ment, and  the  few  pious  in  their  private  and  scattered  posi- 
tions, sighed  for  gospel  privileges.  The  number  of  Baptists 
was  small,  and  yet  seeing  their  neighbors,  and  their  own 
children  in  this  wilderness,  becoming  more  and  more  care- 
less of  their  morality,  as  well  as  of  their  spiritual  interests, 
they  began  to  feel  the  necessity  of  some  united  and  gospel 
effort  for  their  benefit. 

Six  of  these  pious  Baptists  entered  the  work,  requested 
a  council,  and  were  embodied  into  a  church  June 20, 1818. 
This  was  the  first  religious  society  in  town.  Soon,  additions 
were  made  to  them  by  baptism,  the  fruits  of  the.  '  good  seed' 
sown  by  the  occasional  missionary,  who  had  previously 
penetrated  this  almost  pathless  desert.  The  first  three 
years  constituted  a  period  of  trials  and  blessings.  Their 
meetings  were  frequently  disturbed,  and  sometimes  entirely 
broken  up  by  Universalists  and  rejected  Free-will  Baptists. 
They  however  persevered  and  made  some  advancement. 

In  1821,  Eld.  N.  Robinson,  of  Cherryfield,  visited  them, 
and  by  their  request  became  their  pastor  in  1822,  which 
office  he  sustained  with  usefulness  till  1834.  During  this 
period,  the  church  was  blessed  with  several  refreshing 
seasons.  They  then  employed,  (1834,)  Eld.  E.  Hunlting, 
one-half  the  time  for  several  months,  and  in  1835,  Eld.  J 
F.  Page  became  their  pastor.  Since  that  time  they  have 

*Win.  L.  and  W.  Asso. 


316  CHURCH  IN  WISCASSET— CORINTH. 

built  a  convenient  house  for  worship.  They  have  eighty- 
five  members.* 

WISCASSET.  An  attempt  to  gain  a  settlement  in  1661 , 
on  the  site  where  now  stands  the  pleasant  village  of  Wiscas- 
set,  was  prevented  by  the  Indians  ;  so  that  no  permanent 
beginning  was  made  there  till  about  1730.t  The  religious 
views  of  the  first  settlers  were  Episcopalian  and  Congrega- 
tional. Each  sect  had  organized  a  church  in  the  ancient 
Pownalborough,  which  included  Wiscasset,  Alna  and  Dres- 
den, previous  to  1773.t  The  latter  has  since  become  most 
numerous. 

As  late  as  1821,  there  were  not  more  than  two  or  three 
Baptists  professors  in  the  place.  In  the  early  part  of  that 
year,  Rev.  A.  Wilson  began  to  preach  to  the  people,  and 
the  Lord  blessed  the  word.  In  the  course  of  that  year 
eighteen  were  baptized,  and  in  1822,  a  church  was  organ- 
ized. The  same  year  a  convenient  meeting-house  was 
raised  and  finished.  Mr.  W.  left  in  the  early  part  of  1824  ; 
since  that  time  they  have  been  aided  by  W.  Morse,  W. 
Glover,  A.  Wood,  P.  Pilsbury,  and  J.  C.  Morrill.  They 
are  still  a  feeble  church  and  embarrassed  with  serious  trials. 

CORINTH.  Among  the  first  settlers  of  Corinth,  there 
were  a  few  Baptist  professors. J  Eld.  Case  was  among 
them  in  1821.  They  were  collected  into  a  church  in  1822, 
by  the  efforts  of  Eld.  S.  Dexter,  who  became  its  pastor  the 
same  year.  The  original  members  were  eighteen.  Elder 
D.  continued  pastor  till  feeble  health  caused  his  resignation 
in  1832.  During  his  ministry,  the  church  rose  gradually, 
increasing  in  numbers  and  strength.  In  1830,  they  com- 
pleted a  house  for  worship,  furnished  with  a  bell.  During 
the  summer  of '33,  their  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Eld.  W. 
C.  Rider,  to  the  edification  of  the  church. 

*Eld.  N.  Robinson's  Com.  and  Min.L.  and  P.  Asso.  fMass.  Hist.  Coll- 
vol.  7,  p.  163,  cit.  by  Grcenleaf.  JElil.  Case's  Jour. 


CHURCH  IN  WALDOBORO'— ALHION.  317 

Their  next  pastor  was  Eld.  R.  C.  Spaulding.  He  was 
indefatigable  in  his  exertions,  and  God  honored  him  and 
the  church  with  a  signal  success.  The  first  year  of  his 
charge,  a  revival  began — the  weak  things  were  strength- 
ened, the  Sabbath  School  furnished  with  a  library  of  300 
volumes,  a  maternal  society  formed,  and  temperance  ad- 
vanced. During  the  charge  of  Mr.  Spaulding  to  1843,  one 
hundred  and  sixteen  were  added  to  the  church.  Dea.  John 
Huntting,  one  of  its  original  members,  has  been  a  distin- 
guished blessing  to  this  people.  They  are  benevolent, 
active,  and  a  reading  people.  Their  present  number  is 
one  hundred  and  fifty-five.* 

WALDOBOROUGH.  Through  the  influence  of  Baptists 
in  Warren,  east  of  Waldoborough,  and  in  Noblebo- 
rough,  on  the  west,  they  gradually  increased  in  that 
town.  The  prevailing  religious  views  were  from  an 
early  period  Congregational.  In'1824,  a  Baptist  church 
was  constituted,  of  thirteen  members. f  In  1826,  Elder 
Samuel  Chisam  became  pastor,  and  the  church  began 
to  move  forward.  In  1834,  they  received  a  small  ac- 
cession. In  1837,  Joseph  Wilson  became  pastor,  and 
from  that  time  to  the  present  the  church  has  witnessed 
almost  one  continual  revival.  Few  churches  have  been 
more  signally  blessed  than  this,  during  the  charge  of 
Mr.  Wilson.  Its  numbers  have  been  increased  by 
nearly  two  hundred.  Their  outward  condition  is  pros- 
perous. They  now  exert  their  share  of  religious  influ- 
ence in  town.  They  have  two  hundred  and  sixteen 
members. 

ALBION.  Baptists  in  Albion  began  to  multiply  with 
the  settlement  of  the  town,  and  began  to  unite  with  the 
several  churches  in  China,  as  was  most  convenient. 
With  these  churches  they  continued  to  operate  till  1824, 

*Min.  P.  Asso.     -(Lin.  Also.  Records. 


318  CHUKCH  IN   ATKINSON. 

when  their  own  convenience  and  the  interests  of  their 
cause  in  Albion,  required  their  united  efforts  there. 
They  therefore  took  their  leave  of  these  churches,  and 
were  embodied  in  gospel  order.  Their  number  was 
twenty-four,  with  J.  Lewis,  from  the  third  church  in 
China,  as  their  pastor.  In  1826,  Nathan  Thomas,  one 
of  its  original  members,  was  ordained  pastor.  In  1830, 
a  revival  commenced.  Nathaniel  Copeland  was  set 
apart  by  ordination  as  an  evangelist  in  the  church,  whose 
labors  were  united  with  their  pastor.  In  the  winter  of 
1831,  the  revival  became  general  and  glorious,  and 
added  ninety-three  to  the  church  by  baptism.  This 
was  a  season  still  in  grateful  remembrance  by  these 
Baptists.  It  was  a  most  signal  display  of  Divine  mercy 
in  their  favor.  In  1832,  Mr.  Copeland  was  pastor.  In 
1833,  Elder  D.  Stevens  became  a  member,  and  supplied 
the  church  with  preaching.  He  was  made  pastor,  1834. 
In  1839,  Elder  Copeland  again  received  the  pastoral 
care,  preaching  with  them  half  the  time.  His  connexion 
continued  to  1842,  since  which  time  Elder  I.  S.  Smith 
has  had  the  pastoral  care,  bestowing  one  half  of  his 
labor  for  their  benefit.  During  this  rapid  succession  of 
ministers,  the  church  has  had  some  trials,  but  has  nev- 
ertheless advanced  in  influence,  though  its  numbers 
have  diminished.  In  1839,  it  had  one  hundred  mem- 
bers; in  1843,  its  number  was  seventy -four.* 

ATKINSON  AND  MILTON.  The  first  settlers  in  these 
towns  had  but  few  gospel  privileges.  In  1824,  Jonathan 
F.  Page  settled  in  the  east  part  of  Atkinson.  In  a 
neighborhood  of  twelve  families,  there  was  but  one 
pious  person.  In  the  summer  of  that  year  a  revival 
commenced,  by  the  private  exertions  of  Mr.  Page. 
This  work  continued  about  a  year,  and  blessed  the 

*Min.  L.  and  \V.  Asso. 


THIRD  CHURCH  IN  JEFFEftSON— SEARSMONT.      319 

whole  settlement  with  its  influence.  It  also  extended 
into  Milton,  and  in  1825,  a  church  was  organized  of 
members  from  both  towns,  and  in  September  numbered 
twenty-three.*  In  1829,  Elder  W.  Oaks  supplied  them 
with  preaching  a  part  of  the  time.  In  1830,  Mr.  Page, 
who  had  been  so  useful  to  them  as  a  private  Christian 
and  as  a  licensed  preacher,  was  ordained  in  this  church 
as  an  evangelist,  and  has  since  preached  a  part  of  the 
time,  much  to  their  benefit.  A  revival  was  experienced 
in  1833,  under  his  ministry.  Though  blessed  with  re- 
freshing seasons,  and  some  increase,  they  have  never 
possessed  the  ability  to  provide  a  house  of  worship,  or 
to  settle  a  pastor.  They  have  thirty-four  members."}" 

THIRD  JEFFERSON.  A  third  church  in  Jefferson  was 
gathered  in  1824.  Their  original  number  was  twenty- 
two.  Elder  William  Burbank,  ordained  to  the  gospel 
ministry  by  the  second  church,  became  their  pastor, 
and  continued  in  their  service  till  1842.  It  has  been 
favored  with  several  revivals.  Elder  Enos  Trask  was 
once  a  worthy  deacon  in  this  church,  and  aided  its  pro- 
gress. |  In  1843,  Elder  T.  Goldthwait  became  pastor, 
and  it  was  increased  by  the  fruits  of  another  revival. 
It  now  numbers  seventy-eight  members. 5} 

SEARSMONT.  In  1827,  a  church  was  organized  at 
'Hazelton's  Mills,'  in  Searsmont,  with  thirteen  mem- 
bers. In  1839,  C.  G.  Porter,  a  licentiate  from  the  church 
in  Calais,  commenced  preaching  with  this  then  almost 
lost  church,  one  half  of  the  time.  In  1840,  he  was 
ordained  in  the  church  as  an  evangelist.  In  1842,  a 
revival  attended  his  labors  and  increased  its  members, 
and  strengthened  its  hopes.  To  the  active  and  pious 
exertions  of  the  late  Bailey  Moore,  the  church  owes 

*Min.  L.  A.  1825.  fEld.  J.  F.  Page's  Com.  JEld.  Wm.  Burbank's  Com. 
QMiii.  of  I).  Asso. 


320      THIRD  WH1TEFIELD— NORTH  WHITEFIELD. 

much  of  its  prosperity.  In  1843,  it  had  forty-seven 
members,  without  a  pastor.* 

THIRD  WHITEFIELD.  This  church  was  constituted  in 
1828,  mostly  of  members  dismissed  from  the  then  second 
church.  In  1829,  it  had  twenty-four  members.  Jesse 
Crowell  was  its  first  deacon.  Elder  William  Pool,  one 
of  its  original  members,  was  ordained  its  first  pastor, 
April,  1830,  and  was  its  principal  promoter,  till  1842. 
For  several  years  this  church  enjoyed  great  prosperity, 
as  the  results  of  general  revivals.  Then  followed  a 
season  of  drought  and  declension,  with  a  loss  of  mem- 
bers. But  the  last  two  or  three  years  have  been  more 
fruitful.  Since  the  old  and  first  church  in  Whitefield 
was  lost,  this  church  has  been  denominated  the  second; 
the  second  having  taken  the  place  of  the  first  in  the 
Associational  catalogue.  Their  present  number  is 
eighty-one,  without  a  pastor.t 

NORTH  WHITEFIELD.  This  is  the  fourth  church  gath- 
ered in  Whitefield.  Its  original  members  were  mostly 
from  the  third,  now  called  the  second  church,  and  in  Sept. 
1832,  it  had  twenty-nine  members.  William  Glidden  was 
their  deacon,  and  in  1834  it  received  some  addition  by  a 
revival,  but  the  next  year  was  nearly  reduced  to  its  origi- 
nal number,  by  means  of  dismissions  to  form  a  church  in 
Patricktown  Plantation.  In  1840  it  received  some  acces- 
sion of  members.  A  committee  from  the  Association  visit- 
ed these  brethren  in  1841,  who  found  them  in  a  feeble 
state,  having  had  no  preaching  for  many  years,  and  possess- 
ing but  little  energy — their  number  was  reduced  to  four- 
teen.J 

THIRD  THOMASTON.  In  1832  an  extensive  revival  was 
enjoyed  by  the  first  church  in  Thomaston,  under  the  labors 
of  Elder  Kalloch,  which  extended  its  converting  power  into 

"Eld.C.  G.  Porter's  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A.   fMin.  L.  and  D.  A.  JMin.  L.  A. 


THIRD  CHURCH  IN  THOMASTON.  321 

the  '  Shore  Village.'  The  distance  from  this  village  to  the 
places  of  worship  in  the  older  churches,  dictated  the  organ- 
ization of  this  third  church.  The  first  meeting  these 
brethren  held  in  separate  capacity,  was  in  January,  1833, 
and  in  February  the  church  was  organized.  Elder  Kal- 
loch  was  at  once  invited  to  become  their  pastor.  But  after 
six  months  consideration  of  the  matter,  he  declined.  From 
a  strong  attachment  to  him  who  had  been  the  honored  in- 
strument in  the  conversion  of  many  of  their  souls  to  God, 
they  again  renewed  their  request.  The  call  was  too  ur- 
gent to  be  again  rejected.  He  accepted,  and  entered  the 
charge,  Feb.  1834.  The  church  for  one  year  was  en- 
larged by  a  gradual  increase.  In  1835,  as  the  rich  har- 
vest of  a  series  of  special  meetings,  and  of  a  solemn  and 
interesting  work  of  several  months,  a  large  addition  was 
made,  mostly  of  heads  of  families.  This  revival  added 
ability  and  influence,  as  well  as  members.  They  were  now 
able  to  build  three-fourths  of  a  house  of  worship,  the  Con- 
gregationalists  building  the  other  fourth. 

In  1838,  another  general  revival  was  witnessed,  as  the 
fruit  of  a  discussion  on  the  subject  of  gospel  'communion.' 
This  was  somewhat  singular,  and  seldom  so  happens,  but 
God  honors  his  own  gospel.  '  At  first,'  says  Elder  K., 
'  many  of  the  church  feared,  if  not  opposed,  a  controversy 
upon  this  subject,'  between  their  pastor  and  the  Congrega- 
tional minister,  Mr.  Fessenden.  '  But  they  were  led  to 
prayer  and  faith,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  down, 
and  scores  were  converted  to  God.'  In  1838  the  church 
sold  their  proportion  of  the  old  house,  and  erected  a  neat 
and  convenient  house  for  themselves.  But  these  seasons 
of  mercy  were  like  '  the  few  drops  before  the  more  plente- 
ous shower,'  compared  to  the  revival  enjoyed  in  J842  and 
1843,  in  which  nearly  two  hundred  were  added  by  bap- 
tism. Truly  this  is  a  highly  favored  branch  of  Zion.  It  has 


322         RICHMOND— PATRICKTOYVN   PLANTATION. 

prospered  with  the  flourishing  village  in  which  it  is  situa- 
ted. Mr.  K.  is  still  their  useful  pastor,  and  the  church 
numbers  four  hundred,  who  exert  a  powerful  influence  in 
favor  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.* 

RICHMOND.  This  church  is  located  in  a  pleasant  vil- 
lage in  the  town  of  Richmond,  fourteen  miles  south  of 
Augusta.  Previous  to  1833  Baptists  had  made  no  public 
efforts  here,  excepting  an  occasional  lecture  by  a  visiting 
minister.  This  year  a  few  Baptists  residing  here  raised  a 
sufficient  sum  to  secure  one  fourth  of  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
C.  Blanchard,  then  pastor  of  second  Nobleboro.'  This 
supply  was  continued  through  the  winter  of  '34.  During 
these  efforts,  Eld.  L.  C.  Stevens  established  himself  here  as  a 
teacher  in  the  Academy,  and  preached  to  the  people  when 
not  provided  with  a  minister.  Soon  some  special  religious 
attention  was  gained,  and  a  few  conversions  occurred. 
These  were  the  preliminary  movements  to  the  organization 
of  a  church,  which  occurred  in  October  of  that  year,  with 
L.  C.  Stevens,  pastor.  It  had  but  eight  members,  inclu- 
ding the  pastor  and  his  wife.  It  has  since  prospered  by  a 
gradual  and  annual  accession  to  its  numbers  and  to  its 
strength.  Mr.  S.  resigned  in  1837.  He  was  succeeded  in 
the  office  by  Rev.  F.  Ellis,  who  administered  to  their  pro- 
fit from  July  1839,  to  October  1840,  and  in  January  1841 
Mr.  Stevens  again  became  pastor,  but  left  again  in  1842. 
Since  then  they  have  had  no  pastor,  but  are  encouraged  to 
persevere  with  forty-five  members.t 

PATRICKTOWN  PLANTATION.  A  church  was  gathered  in 
this  town  in  1835.  It  has  advanced  prosperously  with  the 
few  means  it  has  enjoyed.  Elders  J.  White,  Josiah  Hal- 
lowell,  and  B.  Ring  have  done  much  towards  its  progress. 
It  commenced  with  less  than  a  dozen,  it  now  has  sixty-six 
members. 

"Church  Records.    fAbial  A\ery,  Ch.  Clk,  Com.,  and  Min.  L.  and  B.  A. 


THIRD  NOBLEBORO'— FIRST  WEST  THOMASTON.  323 

WASHINGTON,  A  church  of  twelve  members  was  re- 
ported to  the  Association,  and  united  with  it  in  1835.  Jo- 
siah  Wilson,  a  distinguished  member,  and  a  licentiate,  did 
much  in  aiding  these  first  movements  of  the  Baptists  in 
this  town.  For  several  years,  with  some  assistance  by  the 
Association,  they  obtained  a  gradual  increase.  The  year 
1843  was  one  of  peculiar  interest  in  their  history.  By  a 
genera]  revival  their  number  was  doubled.  They  now  have 
a  flourishing  and  influential  body  of  seventy  members. 
What  gratitude  is  due  to  God  for  his  wonderful  grace  !* 

THIRD  NOBLEBOROUGH.  With  almost  unparalleled  pro- 
gress Baptists  increased  in  Nobleborough.  In  1836  an 
extensive  work  of  grace  was  carried  forward  by  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  in  the  first  church,  during  which  the  number 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  united  with  them  by  baptism. 
The  instrumentalities  employed  to  promote  this  revival, 
were  Elders  E.  Trask,  (pastor)  and  S.  Flagg. 

A  division  of  the  church  now  became  expedient  for  the 
convenience  of  the  brethren-^  and  important  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  cause.  Fifty-four  dismissed  for  that  pur- 
pose, were  constituted  into  a  third  church,  and  Elder  S. 
Flagg  received  the  pastoral  charge.  He  was  succeeded  in 
the  office  the  next  year  by  Elder  Daniel  Whitehouse,  for 
one  year,  when  Eld.  Flagg  again  resumed  the  pastoral  res- 
ponsibility, and  was  their  minister  till  1842.  Since  then 
they  have  preaching  by  Elder  E.  J.  White  one  half  the 
time.  A  general  prosperity  has  attended*  their  movements. 
They  have  one  hundred  and  nine  members.* 

FIRST  WEST  THOMASTON.  This  church  originated 
with  a  diversity  of  opinion  in  the  second  church,  respect- 
ing the  building  and  locating  of  a  new  meeting-house.  The 
difficulty  dictated  a  mutual  separation  ;  one  part  to  con- 
tinue to  occupy  the  old  house,  the  other  to  build  where  they 

*Min.  L.  A.  and  D.  Asso. 


324  DAMARISCOTTA  MILLS— GUSHING— 3D  CAMDEN. 

chose.  This  was  in  1836.  Those  who  were  to  remain 
in  the  old  sanctuary,  fifty-seven  in  number,  were  organized 
by  the  name  of  First  West  Thomaston. 

At  their  invitation,  Eld.  D.  Bartlett  became  their  pastor 
in  1833,  and  continued  in  their  service  about  two  years. 
He  was  succeeded  in  1840  by  their  present  pastor,  Eld.  D. 
Small,  then  a  student  in  the  Thomaston  Theological  Insti- 
tution. In  1842,  their  members  were  increased  by  a 
refreshing  revival.  In  1841,  they  sustained  a  very  great 
loss  in  the  death  of  the  devoted  and  enterprising  Hezekiah 
Prince.  The  Association,  and  indeed  the  whole  Christian 
community  might  reasonably  weep  his  departure.  This 
people  still  worship  in  the  old  house  ;  and  have  fellowship 
with  God  and  with  each  other.  Their  present  number  is 
one  hundred  and  eight.* 

DAMARISCOTTA  MILLS.  Previous  to  1841,  a  few  Bap- 
tists resided  at  these  mills.  By  their  request,  Eld.  Wm. 
Day  visited  them  in  the  spring  of  that  year,  opened  a  series 
of  meetings,  invited  neighboring  ministers,  and  all  engaged 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Spirit  came  down,  con- 
verted sinners,  and  thus  prepared  materials  for  a  church, 
which  was  soon  organized,  with  thirty-eight  members.  It 
has  never  had  a  pastor,  but  has  had  stated  preaching  a  part 
of  the  time,  by  Elders  Wm.  Day,  M.  Byrne,  A.  B.  Pendle- 
ton,  and  J.  W.  Lawton.  Their  number  is  thirty-nine,  and 
they  feel  the  need  of  assistance.t 

GUSHING.  For  convenience  and  increased  effort,  the 
old  church,  '  Friendship  and  Gushing,'  was  divided  in 
1842.  The  brethren  in  Gushing  were  organized,  with 
ninety-eight  in  number.  Eld.  D.  Bartlett  preached  during 
that  year  with  both  churches,  bestowing  on  each  an  equal 
proportion  of  his  ministry.  The  next  year  "he  was  succeed- 
ed by  Eld.  C.  P.  Bartlett.  In  1843,  this  church  had  ninety- 
seven  members-! 

*Ch.  Rec.    fJ.'winslow,  2d.  Com.     {Min.  L.  Asso. 


LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION.  325 

THIRD  CAMDEN.  A  third  church  was  gathered  in  Cam- 
den  i»  1842,  composed  mostly  of  members  dismissed  from 
the  second  church.  It  is  situated  in  a  growing  village,  and 
promises  much  usefulness.  C.  C.  Long  was  ordained  an 
evangelist  in  t'lis  church  the  next  day  after  its  organization. 
They  have  since  enjoyed  one-half  of  his  labors.  Their 
number  is  increased  to  twenty.* 

THIRD  ST.  GEORGE.  In  1842,  a  third  church  in  St. 
George  was  organized  with  thirty  members,  dismissed  from 
the  first  and  second  churches.  It  has  been  aided  hitherto 
by  one-half  of  the  labors  of  Eld.  J.  Kalloch,  and  'their 
prospects  are  reported  to  be  encouraging^'  Their  number 
in  1843,  was  thirty-three.* 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

LINCOLN    ASSOCIATION. 

Organized  in  1805.  After  13  years  it  gave  rise  to  Eastern  Maine  in  1818  ; 
and  in  7  years  more  to  the  Peiiobscot  in  1825  j  and  17  years  later  to  the 
Damariscotla,  in  1842. 

THIS  ASSOCIATION  was  organized  at  St.  George,  Sept. 
1805.  It  was  then  composed  of  eighteen  churches ;  six- 
teen of  which  had  been  previously  dismissed  from  Bo\v- 
doinham,  each  of  which  were  chronologically  noticed  in 
the  history  of  that  body ;  and  two,  Palermo  and  Sedgwick, 
which  had  never  before  united  in  such  a  -connection.  This 
Association  embraced  at  that  time  all  the  territory  east  of 
the  Kennebec  river,  and  has  yielded  as  its  legitimate  fruits 
four  other  Associations,  Eastern  Maine,  Penobscot,  Waldo 
and  Damariscotta.  Originally  blessed  with  a  numerous 
and  able  ministry,  and  subsequently  with  a  rich  bestow- 
ment  of  the  same  blessing,  and  by  the  continuous  and 

*Min.  L.  Asso. 

15 


326  LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION, 

abundant  spiritual  influences  which  have  attended  (hat 
ministry,  this  Association  has  ever  been  distinguished  for 
more  than  a  common  prosperity.  The  efforts  of  Elders 
Job  Maccmber,  Elisha  Snow,  Jesse  Martin,  Nehemiah 
Gould,  Coker  Marble,  Joseph  Bailey,  Ephraim  Hall,  An- 
drew Fuller,  Jabez  Lewis,  Thomas  Ames,  John  Haines, 
.  Nathaniel  Robinson,  and  Daniel  Merrill,  were  united  with 
others  to  promote  the  stability  and  progress  of  this  new 
Baptist  enterprise  in  the  State.  The  articles  of  Faith  and 
Covenant,  as  revised  and  adopted  by  the  Bowdoinham 
Association  in  1802,  were  now  received  as  the  creed  of  this 
body.  These  articles  have  since  undergone  a  revisionr 
which  will  be  noticed  in  another  place.  Missionary  opera*- 
tions  were  continued  by  these  brethren,  and  the  plan  of 
voluntary  supplies  to  the  destitute  was  adopted  by  the 
ministers. 

At  its  second  anniversary  in  1806,  this  body  rejoiced  in 
view  of  the  gradually  extending  prospects  of  their  cause  in 
this  new  part  of  the  State,  but  they  mourned  over  the 
low  state  of  their  churches.  The  churches,  '  Unity,'  '  Co- 
lumbia' and  '  Bluehill,'  were  added.  It  was  recommended 
to  the  churches  to  observe  in  concert  with  the  Bowdoin- 
ham  Association,  the  first  day  of  January,  as  a  season  of 
Fasting  and  Prayer,  for  special  blessings.  The  only  mis- 
sionary operations  as  yet  commenced  by  this  body  was  that 
of  voluntary  supplies. 

Four  new  churches,  Northport,  Montville,  Carmel  and 
Surry,  were  added  in  1807,  and  several  ministers  entered 
this  new  field ;  some  by  ordination,  and  others  from  other 
parts  of  the  State.  There  was  evidence  that  their  cause 
was  acquiring  a  more  extended  influence. 

The  anniversary  in  1808,  was  an  unusually  interesting 
session.  Elder  Pilsbury,  in  the  circular,  says:  '  that  unan- 
imity which  prevailed  during  our  present  session,  that  one- 


LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION.  327 

ness  of  soul  which  possessed  our  breasts,  together  with  the 
soul  reviving  intelligence  in  your  letters,  almost  overcome 
us,  and  constrained  us  to  cry  out,  '  Truly,  what  hath  God 
wrought :  God  is  good  to  Israel.'  The  days  of  Fasting 
and  Prayer  continued  in  the  churches  were  not  in  vain. 
Most  extensive  revivals  had  enlarged  the  churches,  and  ten 
new  ones  were  received  at  this  meeting,  with  an  increase 
of  ministers.  Their  success  encouraged  them  to  press  011 
to  victory,  believing  that  truth  would  finally  rise  in  holy 
triumph  over  error  and  darkness. 

From  1809  to  1818,  the  Baptists  in  this  Association 
met  with  some  opposition,  and  were  guilty  of  short  seasons 
of  declension  and  inactivity ;  but  generally  were  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  God,  and  obtained  extensive  prosperity,  and 
a  wider  spread  of  influence.  Twenty-five  churches  were 
brought  into  union  with  the  Association,  some  of  which, 
however,  had  existed  several  years  previous,  and  the  body 
was  increased  by  an  addition  of  about  two  thousand  mem- 
bers. Nor  was  their  zeal,  their  benevolence,  their  confi- 
dence of  success,  and  their  spiritual  power  increased  less 
than  their  numerical  strength. 

The  years  1815,  '16  and  17,  were  distinguished  for 
extensive  revivals,  and  large  additions  to  many  of  the 
churches  by  baptism.  During  these  years,  therefore,  things 
that  had  withered  by  declension  were  revived,  and  things 
that  were  scattered,  were  gathered  together.  The  solitary 
places  were  made  glad,  the  barren  heath  put  on  a  beauti- 
ful blooming. 

As  the  churches  multiplied,  and  the  field  enlarged,  God 
raised  up  ministers  and  pastors  to  take  charge  and  to  cul- 
tivate it.  In  1817  this  Association  was  blessed  with  the  ac- 
tive labors  of  thirty-four  ordained  ministers  and  five  licen- 
tiates. A  missionary  spirit  and  zeal  characterized  their 
movements.  The  system  of  voluntary  supplies  was  con- 


328  LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION. 

tinued  till  1811,  and  in  1812  a  Missionary  Society  wag 
organized  to  aid  the  destitute  within  the  limits  of  the 

O 

Association,  and  the  churches  were  requested  to  raise  'one 
cent  a  month  from  each  member,'  to  aid  the  design  of  the 
society,  and  some  of  the  churches  entered  into  the  work, 
and  for  some  years  fully  met  the  expectation  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, while  others  were  delinquent.  In  the  Foreign 
Missionary  cause  the  Association  moved  simultaneously, 
and  liberally  with  their  brethren  in  the  State.  In  1815, 
'  The  Female  Cent  Society,'  to  aid  Foreign  Missions,  was 
created  in  the  bosom  of  the  Association.  This  society 
has  done  much  for  the  cause  by  their  weekly  contribution 
of  '  one  cent'  severally. 

During  this  period  also,  many  questions  were  examined 
and  disposed  of  which  were  considered  of  importance  to 
the  union  and  welfare  of  the  denomination,  and  the  cause 
of  God  generally.  In  1813,  the  Association  decided  by 
vote,  '  that  it  is  expedient  that  a  council  be  called  by  the 
churches  to  depose  an  Elder  from,  or  restore  him  to  office.' 
In  regard  to  the  formation  of  the  pastoral  connection,  the 
Association  gave  as  their  united  opinion,  that  '  whenever  a 
regular  ordained  minister  in  our  order  shall  enter  into  an 
agreement  with  any  of  our  churches  to  be  their  teacher,  he 
is  considered  by  us  as  their  stated  minister  or  pastor ;'  and 
as  regards  the  baptizing  and  ordaining  persons  from  a  Pedo- 
baptist  connection,  this  body  of  Baptists  say  :  '  that  ordi- 
nations administered  in  that  church  which  by  principle 
practise  the  baptizing  of  the  impenitent,  confer  no  author- 
ity upon  any  who  may  be  afterward  baptized  and  joined 
to  the  kingdom  of  God,  which  does  and  always  has 
received  the  baptism  of  repentance  for  the  remission  of 
sins.'  The  observance  of  the  first  day  of  January  as  an 
annual  season  for  Fasting  and  Prayer,  was  still  continued 


LINCOLN   ASSOCIATION.  329 

in  the  churches.     In  1812,  the  fourth  day  of  July  was  set 
apart  for  the  same  purpose. 

In  1817  it  was  proposed  to  divide  the  Association,  which 
proposition  was  referred  to  the  churches,  to  be  by  them 
decided  at  the  next  anniversary.  By  their  request,  there- 
fore, the  body  was  divided  in  1818,  by  setting  off  the 
churches  east  of  Penobscot  river,  to  form  a  separate  con- 
nection. The  number  set  off  for  this  purpose  was  thirteen, 
with  their  pastors  and  ministers.  At  this  meeting,  (1818) 
the  Association  gave  public  notice  that  the  selling  of  ardent 
spirits  near  the  place  of  the  annual  meeting  of  this  body 
at  the  time  of  its  sessions,  is  hereafter  peremptorily  disal- 
lowed.* 

With  the  year  1818,  terminates  the  first  period  in  the 
history  of  this  Association.  The  extent  of  territory  occu- 
pied, the  long  distance  from  the  extremes  to  the  centre,  to 
be  travelled  over  by  the  churches  at  these  extremes,  and 
the  existence  of  several  churches  beyond  them,  who,  by 
distance,  were  deprived  of  Associational  privileges,  occa- 
sioned a  division  in  1818.  This  division  originated  the 
Eastern  Maine  Association,  composing  the  churches  in  the 
counties  of  Hancock  and  Washington,  and  all  east  of  the 
Penobscot  river. 

By  this  movement  thirteen  churches  were  dismissed, 
leaving  in  the  Association  forty-six  to  carry  forward  the 
work  in  Lincoln,  Waldo  and  Penobscot.  These  forty-six 
churches  numbered  two  thousand  four  h'undred  and  seven- 
ty-nine communicants,  who  were  aided,  instructed  and 
comforted  by  the  ministry  of  nineteen  ordained  and  four 
licensed  ministers.  With  these  churches  and  ministers, 
we  now  enter  upon  a  second  period  in  their  history.  This 
period  will  bring  us  down  to  the  second  division  of  this 
body  in  1825. 

'Gathered  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Association. 


330  LINCOLN   ASSOCIATION. 

Between  1818  and  1825,  the  Association  made  consid- 
erable advancement,  and  in  its  advisory  capcicity  transacted 
much  important  business  relating  to  the  interests  of  the 
Baptists. 

At  their  anniversary  in  1819,  the  following  important 
regulation  was  by  a  vote  of  the  Association,  recommended 
for  the  observance  of  the  churches  :  '  Voted,  when  mem- 
bers of  one  church  move  into  the  vicinity  of  another,  and 
do  not  join  it,  nor  walk  with  the  church  to  which  they 
belong,  they  are  to  be  disciplined ;  and,  when  members 
remove  and  no  information  is  received  from  them,  they  are 
subject  to  discipline ;  and,  when  members  are  dismissed  to 
join  another,  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  give  information  that 
they  have  been  received.'  At  their  meeting  in  1822,  the 
'  Monthly  Concert'  to  pray  for  success  in  missionary  ef- 
forts— to  establish  '  Sabbath  Schools,'  and  to  patronize  the 
'  Waterville  Intelligencer,'  and  '  Baptist  Magazine,'  were 
subjects  recommended  to  the  attention  of  the  churches, 
and  in  1823,  it  was  agreed  '  to  petition  the  Legislature  to 
exempt  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  the  State  from  taxation.' 
During  this  period  the  usual  days  of  Fasting  and  Prayer 
were  continued,  and  God  prospered  the  churches,  as  will 
be  seen  by  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  churches  which 
appeared  within  its  limits,  and  by  the  general  increase  of 
all  the  older  churches. 

The  Association  was  not  enlarged  (1823)  by  the  addi- 
tion of  any  church  this  year  ;  but  in  1824  it  received  into 
fellowship  the  churches,  Waldoboro'  and  Albion. 

With  1825  closes  the  second  period  in  the  history  of  this 
body.  The  progress  of  the  Baptist  cause  in  Penobscot 
County  had  given  to  the  Association  an  extent  of  territory 
of  about  one  hundred  miles  from  North  to  South.  For 
the  convenience  therefore  of  the  brethren  in  that  County, 
seven  churches  and  five  ministers  were  set  off  to  form  a  sep- 


LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION.  331 

arate  organization.  Notwithstanding  this  reduction,  there 
yet  remained  forty-eight  churches  and  twenty-five  ministers 
and  two  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-nine  communicants, 
to  cultivate  the  field  already  possessed,  and  to  assist  in  ex- 
ploring and  in  gaining  possession  of  fields  yet  unoccupied. 

Within  this  second  period  three  Foreign  Missionary  So- 
cieties, auxiliary  to  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions, 
were  formed  within  the  limits  of  this  body;  the  Lincoln, 
Damariscotta  and  Waldo.  Each  of  these  societies  took 
under  its  supervision,  a  definite  section,  and  was  the  medi- 
um of  communication  between  that  Board  and  the  churches 
included  in  its  limits.  This  was  a  wise  and  successful 
arrangement. 

In  1827,  measures  were  taken  to  raise  what  was  denom- 
inated a  '  Ministerial  Fund.'  The  object  of  this  fund  is  to 
provide  for  the  comfort  of  aged,  infirm  and  indigent  minis- 
ters, whose  energies  "have  been  expended  in  the  cause  of 
God,  and  for  the  relief  of  widows  of  deceased  ministers. 
In  1828  the  attention  of  the  churches  was  directed  to  some 
of  the  various  benevolent  and  religious  movements  in  the 
Christian  world ;  to  the  Missionary,  the  Tract,  the  Bible, 
Temperance,  the  Sunday  School  cause.*  Also,  to  Zion's 
Advocate,  a  paper  about  to  be  published  in  Portland,  by 
A.  Wilson,  for  the  Baptists.  In  1829  it  was  recommended 
that  the  churches  adopt  the  principle  of  '  Total  Absti- 
nence' from  all  intoxicating  drinks.  Several  new  churches 
united  with  this  Association  during  this  period,  and  the 
number  of  ministers  was  increased.  The  year  1828  was 
a  memorable  period  in  this  body.  It  was  remarkable  for 
extensive  revivals  in  the  churches,  and  for  the  increase  of 
a  benevolent  and  missionary  spirit.  The  churches  in  Waldo 
County,  seventeen  in  number,  with  ten  ministers,  were  set 
off  this  year  to  form  the  Waldo  Association. 

*In  1829,  a  society  was  formed  to  secure  a  Ministerial  Fund,  called  the 
Lincoln  Baptist  Benevolent  Society. 


332  LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION. 

In  1829  this  body  voted  respecting  excluded  members, 
'  that  it  is  by  no  means  agreeable  to  gospel  order,  to  admit 
to  speak  or  pray,  when  their  exclusion  is  founded  upon 
immoral  conduct.'  In  1830  the  first  church  in  Whitefield, 
on  account  of  some  peculiar  views  and  practices,  contrary 
to  those  of  the  Association,  was  dropped  from  its  connection. 

In  1831,  a  spiritual  declension  commenced,  which  re- 
sulted in  a  drought  that  dried  up  and  withered  the  spiritual 
life  and  energy  of  the  churches.  The  calamity  became 
general  in  1833.  But  in  1834,  there  were  some  small 
showers  of  mercy  on  a  few  branches  of  this  body,  but  soon 
the  scorching  heat  of  a  summer  drought,  again  wasted  the 
pious  activity  and  prosperity  of  these  bodies.  In  1838 
springs  began  again  to  break  forth  in  this  desert,  and  the 
thirsty  hills  were  refreshed  with  rain  and  dew,  and  nearly 
five  hundred  communicants  were  added  to  the  Association, 
but  the  more  copious  showers  and  the  more  full  streams 
were  reserved  until  1842.  This  year  more  than  eight 
hundred  baptisms  were  witnessed  as  the  fruits  of  general 
revivals  in  these  churches. 

During  these  changes,  however,  missionary  enterprises 
were  promoted,  and  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, resolutions  favoring  objects  of  benevolence  and 
charity,  and  others  opposing  heterodoxy,  infidelity,  war, 
slavery  and  intemperance,  were  adopted.  In  their  circular 
addressed  to  the  churches  in  1840,  the  views  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  this  body  on  the  subject  of  '  Close  Comrriunion,'  are 
expressed  and  defended.  The  circular  was  from  the  pen 
of  Eld.  Kalloch,  of  Thomaston.  He  gives  his  readers  a 
definition  of  the  qualifying  term  close,  as  follows  :  '  The 
term  close  is  here  used  to  qualify  communion  ;'  '  it  implies 
that  none  but  members  of  the  visible  church  are  qualified 
to  participate  in  the  '  Lord's  Supper,'  it  being  an  ordinance 
of  the  church.' 


LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION. 


333 


This  Association  at  its  third  division,  commenced  op- 
erations with  twenty-five  churches.  At  the  annual  meet- 
ing in  1842,  it  contained  thirty-five,  when  a  fourth  division 
was  made,  by  making  the  Waldoboro'  river  the  principal 
separating  line.  Those  churches  west  of  this  river  were 
to  be  organized  into  a  new  Association.  During  this 
period  several  new  churches  were  organized,  mostly  in 
places  where  the  Baptists  had  exerted  an  influence  for 
some  previous  years.  They  are  therefore  as  new  shoots  from 
the  old  vines. 

In  1843,  the  Lincoln  Association  contained  nineteen 
churches ;  nineteen  ordained  ministers,  and  two  hundred 
and  fifteen  communicants.  It  was  increased  that  year  by 
an  addition  of  nearly  four  hundred.  It  is  an  efficient,  in- 
fluential and  benevolent  body. 

LINCOLN  ASSOCIATION.,.TABULAR  VIEW. 


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ORGANIZED  1805. 

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CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

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1st  St.  George, 

1784 
1783 

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164 
586 

41 

27 

15 
50 

224:222.92 
253  143  61 

•1 

11 

705 
638 

208 
243 

Hope, 

1795 

11 

160 

51 

J.! 

94 

115'41 

322 

95 

Friendship  and  Gushing, 

1800 

:i7 

J83 

25 

15 

[69 

5837 

'15 

444 

110 

Warren, 

1800 

1! 

181 

41 

5 

Hi) 

7360 

\a 

542 

285 

Islesboro', 

1791 

* 

JJ7 

11 

1 

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5027 

17J239 

116 

Vinalhaven, 

1804 

I 

ne 

15 

10 

69 

6236 

7 

13 

301 

124 

Matinicus,  (reorgan'd  '43) 

1808 

!»', 

86 

4 

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9 

42 

9 

1st  Camden, 

1808 

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16 

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58 

15 

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190 

72 

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194 

112 

Union, 

1801 

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130 

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1816 

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251 

147 

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1817 

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88 

50 

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425 

252 

3d  Thomaston, 

1833 

.;;; 

!.!!! 

106 

14 

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38 

23 

188 

400 

1st  West  Thomaston_Vill. 

183657 

70 

23 

11 

90 

11 

9 

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Gushing, 

1842  98 

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334 


DAMARISCOTTA  ASSOCIATION. 


DAMARISCOTTA  ASSOCIATION. 

This  was  the  name  taken  by  the  churches  set  off  from  the 
Lincoln  Association  in  1842.  Its  first  anniversary  was  held 
at  Whitefield,  Oct.  4,  1843.  It  then  contained  seventeen 
churches;  seventeen  ordained  ministers,  and  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  thirty-five  communicants.  One  church 
was  received  at  that  meeting,  and  their  table  shows  three 
hundred  and  one  additions  by  baptisms.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances this  Association  began  its  progress,  and  is  not 
less  powerful,  useful,  or  benevolent,  than  the  Lincoln. 

SO.UTH  WHITEFIELD.  This  church  owes  its  existence 
to  the  second  church  in  Whitefield.  It  was  organized  in 
1843,  with  fifteen  members  dismissed  from  that  church. 
They  have  sixteen  members.  Elder  W.  Bailey  is  pastor, 
are  united  and  persevering,  and  anticipate  by  the  grace  of 
God  to  prosper.* 

DAMARISCOTTA  ASSOCIATION.  ...TABULAR  VIEW. 


0 

CO 

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Bristol  &  Miscongus, 

1792 

19 

84 

2 

31   12 

23 

31 

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89 

46 

1st  Nobleborougn, 
Woolwich, 

1793 
1800 

12 
16 

630 
168 

17 
11 

22 
1 

201 
61 

9!) 
31 

51 

2!) 

28 

4 

659 
196 

•a 

1st  Jefferson, 

1807 

75 

405 

31 

12 

69 

ti;2 

63 

11 

511 

315 

2d  Jefferson, 

1807 

33 

185 

1!) 

9 

62 

:i  l. 

21 

7 

23 

237 

116 

1st  Whitefield, 

1809 

9 

121 

B 

j; 

21 

18 

15 

15 

138 

47 

2d  Nobleboro' 

1819 

11 

362 

31. 

10 

44 

2!) 

3;; 

2!i 

400 

286 

New  Castle  and  AIna, 

1820 

12 

246 

33 

4 

17 

6 

'i 

42 

291 

221 

Wiscasset, 

1822 

26 

73 

2!) 

2 

42 

14 

8 

11- 

128 

57 

Waldoboro', 

1824 

13 

186 

35 

2 

11 

7 

16 

7 

244 

216 

3d  Jefferson, 

1825 

22 

76 

13 

B 

n 

15 

!) 

111 

78 

2d  Whitefield, 

1828 

11 

156 

11 

8 

.].') 

24 

21 

18 

185 

81 

N.  Ch.  Whitefield, 

1832 

29 

13 

3 

12 

2 

1 

15 

45 

14 

Patricktown  Plantation, 

1835 

18 

41 

13 

2 

9 

3 

8 

72 

66 

Washington, 

1835 

12 

52 

21 

4 

1 

1 

10 

85 

70 

3d  Nobleboroueli, 

1836 

64 

65 

8 

2 

8 

9 

5 

2 

127 

109 

Damariscotta  Mills, 

1811 

31! 

1 

39 

39 

So.  Ch.  Whitefield, 

1843115 

1 

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*Dam.  Asso. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

EASTERN   MAINE  ASSOCIATION. 

Whole  period  of  its  existence  16  years  from  1813  to  1834 ;  then  yielded  its 
name  to  two  Associations,  one  to  be  called  Hancock,  the  other  Wash- 
ington. 

THIS  ASSOCIATION  was  first  organized  at  Bluehill,  on 
the  12th  of  Nov.  1818.  Eld.  N.  Robinson  preached  on  the 
occasion,  Isaiah,  61  :  1.  In  this  body  the  Baptists  in  the 
counties  of  Hancock  and  Washington,  and  all  east  of  the 
Penobscot  river,  united.  It  originally  was  composed  of 
twelve  churches  previously  dismissed  from  the  Lincoln. 
Their  first  anniversary  was  in  Steuben,  Oct.  1819;  three 
churches  were  added  at  that  time.  This  body  occupied 
this  entire  field  till  1834,  when  the  churches  had  become 
numerous  and  some  of  them  large,  and  the  distance  from 
one  extreme  of  territory  occupied  to  the  other,  was  so 
great  that  a  division  of  the  Association  was  deemed  expe- 
dient ;  and  by  unanimous  agreement,  the  Eastern  Maine 
Association  was  dissolved,  and  the  next  year  the  present 
Hancock  and  Washington  Associations  were  organized. 

During  the  existence  of  the  Eastern  Maine  Association, 
the  Baptists  in  this  section  of  the  State  moved  on  pros- 
perously. As  we  have  seen  it  commenced  with  twelve 
churches,  and  these  churches  were  assisted  by  nine  ordain- 
ed ministers.  A  correspondence  was,  at  its  first  meeting, 
opened  with  Lincoln  and  Bowdoinham  Associations  in  Me., 
with  New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia ;  also,  with  the 
Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions ;  and  it  was  recom- 
mended to  the  churches  to  raise  twelve  and  a  half  cents  on 
a  member  for  Domestic  Missions. 

The  domestic  welfare  of  these  churches  received  the 


336  EASTERN  MAINE  ASSOCIATION. 

attention  of  the  Association,  and  five  hundred  copies  of 
Dr.  Fuller's  letter  on  discipline,  was  distributed  among 
them.  This  was  in  1820.  From  the  prevailing  spiritual 
declension  in  all  this  eastern  country,  it  was  recommended 
that  the  churches  observe  a  season  of  Fasting,  Humilia- 
tion and  Prayer,  for  the  revival  of  the  work  of  the  Lord ; 
and  that  they  raise  one  cent  a  month  on  a  member  for  Do- 
mestic Missions.  Their  prayers  were  heard,  and  in  1822, 
God  revived  his  work  in  several  of  these  churches.  The 
next  year  the  Association  entered  upon  a  train  of  means  to 
establish  a  fund  for  the  widows  of  deceased  Baptist  minis- 
ters. The  churches  were  requested  to  give  their  attention 
to  the  expediency  of  requiring  their  members  upon  a 
removal,  to  take  letters  of  dismission,  and  to  the  cause  of 
temperance. 

In  1826,  it  was  certified  to  the  Association,  that  some  of 
the  churches  were  remiss  in  many  important  duties,  such 
as  to  attend  regularly  upon  the  Lord's  supper,  to  keep  up 
family  prayer,  and  render  their  aid  in  support  of  the  gospel. 
Whereupon,  the  Association  recommended  '  stated  seasons 
for  communion ;'  that  means  be  employed  '  to  remedy  the 
evil  of  neglecting  family  prayer,'  and  that  all  who  refuse 
their  '  equal  burden'  in  support  of  the  ministry,  '  be  dis- 
ciplined by  gospel  rule.' 

Instead  of  the  usual  list  of  resolutions,  the  following  vote 

*  .  O 

was  passed  :  '  That  we  highly  appreciate  the  importance  of 
Bible,  Missionary  and  other  Benevolent  operations  at  the 
present  day.  Waterville  College  and  Zion's  Advocate  re- 
ceived the  cordial  approbation  of  this  body,  and  simultan- 
eously with  other  Associations,  these  churches  began  to 
promote  the  interests  of  Sunday  Schools.. 

The  year  1833,  God  wrought  wondrous  things  amidst 
these  churches.  Multitudes  by  his  grace  were  brought 
from  darkness  to  light,  which  increased  the  number  of 


CHURCH  IN  EASTPORT.  337 

communicants  in  the  Association  by  four  hundred,  and  in 
1834,  by  three  hundred  and  two  by  baptism.  This  gave 
to  the  Association  thirty-eight  churches,  nineteen  ordained 
ministers,  seven  licentiates,  and  three  thousand  two  hundred 
and  nine  members. 

During  these  years  the  churches  had  prospered,  and  had 
fellowship  with  each  other  at  their  communions.  Much 
business  for  Zion's  interests  had  been  transacted,  and  much 
good  for  souls  had  been  accomplished  within  her  borders. 
Bible  and  Tract  Society,  Male  and  Female  Missionary 
Societies,  Temperance  Societies,  and  Sabbath  Schools, 
were  encouraged  by  this  Association. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

The  churches  which  composed  the  Eastern  Maine  Association, — East- 
port  ;  Gouldsboro' ;  Deer  Isle ;  Cqlumbia  and  Addison  5  Penobscot ; 
Swan  Island  ;  Jonesboro'  and  Addison;  Lubec ;  Mariaville ;  Cutler; 
2d  Sullivan  ;  Hancock  ;  Franklin  ;  Addison  ;  2d  Bluehill ;  2d  Sedgwick  ; 
Ellsworth  ;  Dennysville ;  Charleston  ;  Cooper ;  2d  Mariaville;  Calais; 
Harrington ;  Branch  Pond ;  Reed's  Brook,  and  East  Machias. 

EASTPORT.  Eastport  is  on  '  Moose  Island.'  This  lies 
in  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  and  is  the  most  eastern 
land  belonging  to  Maine,  or  on  the  coast.  It  was  settled 
at  an  early  period,  but  not  incorporated  till  1798 ;  and  in 
1818,  it  contained  one  thousand  five  hundred  and  eleven 
inhabitants.  The  first  settlers  were  of  no  particular  religious 
sentiments,  and  no  united  efforts  were  made  to  evangelize 
them  previous  to  1796.  The  Baptists  were  among  the  first  to 
raise  the  gospel  standard.  Their  first  movements,  says  my 
informant,  Mr.  C.  Haydeii,*  son  of  the  late  deacon  C. 

*C.  Hayden  Ch.  Clk. 


333  CHURCH  IN  EASTPORT. 

Hayden,  of  the  Baptist  church,  '  is  involved  in  much  ob- 
scurity.' 

It  appears  that  in  1794,  Eld.  J.  Murphy,  a  licentiato 
from  a  Baptist  church  in  Nova  Scotia,  commenced  preach- 
ing on  the  Island.  The  few  resident  Baptist  professors 
were  quickened,  and  '  it  is  believed  that  some  few  persons 
were  converted  under  his  labors,  and  by  him  it  is  supposed 
that  the  first  baptism  in  town  was  administered.'  In  Jan. 
1796,'  says  Mr.  H.,  '  a  number  of  persons,  part  Baptists 
and  part  Pedo-baptists,  formed  themselves  into  a  church 
under  the  lead  of  Eld.  E.  Manning,  of  New  Brunswick. 
But  this  body  soon  fell  to  decay.'  '  Afterwards,'  continues 
Mr.  H.,  '  a  number  covenanted  together  in  the  form  of  a 
church,  and  agreed  to  support  a  Mr.  Gooch,  as  their  min- 
ister.' This  body  also  soon  died. 

A  remark  from  Elder  Case,  who  visited  the  Island  about 
this  time,  will  throw  some  light  on  these  movements.* 
'  Several  years  before  I  visited  this  people,'  says  Eld.  C., 
'some  were  converted  under  the  labors  of  Eld.  Murphy,  but 
for  want  of  correct  gospel  instruction,  they  embraced  erro- 
neous opinions  respecting  the  ordinances  of  Christ.'  '  I 
found  among  them  one  Mr.  Gooch,  who  professed  to  be  a 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  but  denied  and  opposed  the  ordi- 
nances and  order  of  the  church  of  Christ.  He  ridiculed 
all  who  had  correct  views  of  the  gospel  truth.  I  pitied 
both  him  and  the  people,  and  spent  sometime  with  them, 
and  endeavored  to  correct  their  errors.'  '  But  Gooch  was 
violent  in  his  opposition,  ridiculed  and  slandered  me,  and 
all  that  I  said  and  did.  But  the  Lord  blessed  his  own 
word,  the  people  received  light,  many  were  convinced,  and 
not  long  afterwards  were  baptized  by  Elder  E.  Brooks,  of 
Water  borough,  N.  B.,  and  by  him  organized  into  a 
church.*  Those  who  had  been  led  away  by  Gooch,  now 
*Eld.  Case's  Jour.  1799 


CHURCH  IN  EASTPORT.  339 

left  him,  and  he  retired  from  the  place.'  '  The  only  body,' 
says  Mr.  Hayden,  '  that  sustained  its  visibility  for  any 
length  of  time  was  formed  Aug.  8,  1802.'  This  must  have 
been  the  church  organized  by  Eld.  Brooks ;  Eld.  J.  Mur- 
phy became  its  pastor.  It  then  numbered  fifty-seven  mem- 
bers, some  of  whom  resided  on  Deer  Isle,  and  some  on 
Campobello,  N.  B.,  some  in  Lubec,  and  some  in  Perry  and 
Pembroke. 

These  members,  for  several  years,  passed  through  many 
distressing  trials.  Says  Eld.  Case,  who  was  here  occasionally 
for  some  years  as  a  missionary,  this  church,  '  for  want  of 
a  wise  and  skilful  under-shepherd,  became  scattered,  so 
that  in  1810,*  it  became  expedient  to  gather  them  together, 
and  organize  them  by  a  special  renewal  of  their  covenant 
engagements.'  Elder  Daniel  Merrill,  who  was  preaching 
a  short  time  on  the  Island,  assisted  Elder  Case  in  this 
work. 

Elder  Murphy,  at  his  request,  was  dismissed  from  the 
pastoral  charge  in  1805.  They  were  then  destitute  till  af- 
ter their  re-organization.  Being  now  encouraged  to  per- 
severance, they  settled  in  1811,  Elder  H.  A.  Clarke. 
This  connexion  continued  till  1814.  Although  the  church 
had  obtained  some  prosperity,  yet  on  account  of  dismis- 
sions to  form  churches,  in  Pembroke  and  Lubec,  they 
were  in  1814  comparatively  feeble. 

A  house  of  worship  had  been  commenced  on  the  Island 
in  1794,  and  finished  in  1796.  In  1815  this  house  was 
taken  possession  of  by  the  British  soldiers,  who  then  had 
possession  of  the  Island,  and  by  them  moved  from  its  orig- 
inal position,  and  converted  into  a  '  mess-room'  for  the  offi- 
cers.t  Thus  the  house  of  God  was  made  a  den  of  thieves. 
From  this  time  the  church  worshipped  in  private  and  school 
houses,  till  1820,  when  they  were  convened  in  a  new  sanc- 

*Eld.  Case's  Jour.  1810.    fMr.  C.  H. 


340       CHURCH   IN  GOULDSBORO'— MACHIAS  PORT. 

tuary,  erected  in  a  central  part  of  the  town,  at  an  expense 
of  $3000.  This  accommodated  them  till  1837,  when  it 
became  too  strait  for  them,  and  another  house  was  erected 
at  a  cost  of  $8000. 

Eld,  B.  Buck  became  their  pastor  in  1818,  and  resigned 
in  1819.  Eld.  H.  J.  Ripley  officiated  from  1820  to  1822. 
Eld.  Hosea  Wheeler,  1822,  to  his  death,  Jan.  27,  1823. 
Eld.  Joshua  Eveleth,  from  1823  to  1825.  Eld  T.  Miriam, 
1825  to  1828.  Eld.  F.  W.  Emmons,  from  April  1829  to 
Dec.  1829.  Eld.  Phinehas  Bond,  from  1831  to  1834. 
Eld.  J.  B.  Hague,  their  present  pastor,  entered  upon  his 
charge  by  ordination  Sept.  1835.  Additions  were  made 
to  the  church  during  each  of  these  pastorates.  It  has 
enjoyed  several  revival  seasons,  but  none  more  interesting 
and  beneficial  than  the  one  witnessed  in  1836.  It  is  now 
a  church  of  two  hundred  and  eighteen  members,  is  engaged 
liberally  in  the  general  works  of  Christian  benevolence,  and 
is  most  efficiently  sustaining  the  cause  among  themselves.* 

GOULDSBOROUGH.  This  is  a  small  and  feeble  church, 
and  has  existed  since  the  year  1816.  Through  the  influ- 
ence of  occasional  visits  and  preaching  of  Baptist  missiona- 
ries and  travelling  ministers,  the  early  inhabitants  were 
favorable  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Baptists.  Eld's  Case,  Snow, 
and  Hale,  were  among  the  first  Baptist  preachers  to  visit 
them. 

The  original  number  of  the  church  was  ten.  Soon  after 
their  organization,  Eld.  Job  Chadwick  became  their  pastor 
and  ministered  to  them  till  1832.  They  have  had  no 
pastor  since ;  but  aided  by  occasional  preaching,  they  have 
maintained  a  respectable  visibility.  Their  prosperity  has 
been  much  promoted  by  the  labors  of  their  worthy  deacon, 
John  Sumner.  Present  number,  twenty-sixt 

MACHIAS-PORT.      Machias  was  called  by  the  Indians, 

*Mr.  C.  Hayden'a  Com.    fCh.  Records. 


CHURCH  IN  MACHIAS  PORT.  341 

'  Mechisses.'  A  Mr.  Allerton,  from  Plymouth,  opened 
in  this  place  a  trading  wigwam  in  1633.  In  1744,  an 
opening  was  made  by  the  French  on  the  east  river ;  and 
in  1763,  by  persons  from  Cumberland  County,  a  settlement 
was  gained  on  the  west  river.  Most  of  the  original  inhab- 
itants being  of  a  Congregational  faith,  a  church  of  that 
order  was  organized  as  early  as  1781.*  The  town  was 
incorporated  by  its  present  name  in  1784.  The  people 
were  generally  Congregational,  and  favored  with  a  stated 
ministry.  Baptists,  by  their  occasional  efforts,  obtained 
but  limited  influence  among  them  for  many  years.  In 
1797,  Mr.  Murphy  labored  some  among  them.  Eld.  Case 
says,  '  several  persons  were  regenerated  into  gospel  faith,' 
and  '  from  that  time  till  1810,  Baptist  ministers  visited 
these  brethren  occasionally,  ^and  preached  Christ  to  them 
and  to  the  people.t  While  on  a  mission,  Eld.  Case  made 
them  a  visit  in  1810.  Here  he  met  Rev.  Mr.  Manning, 
from  Nova  Scotia,  who  aided  him  in  constituting  the  Bap- 
tists in  Machias,  who  desired  the  privilege,  into  a  gospel 
church.  Their  number  was  eleven  only.  A  new  impetus 
was  now  given  to  their  influence,  and  a  home  was  created 
for  all  who  might  become  Baptists. 

In  1819,  God  owned  the  labors  of  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson 
among  them,  and  the  church  was  strengthened  by  an  addi- 
tion, as  the  fruits  of  a  revival.  The  next  year  Eld.  B. 
Buck  was  settled  over  them  as  pastor,  who,  after  four  years 
useful  labor,  resigned  his  charge.  In  '1825,  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Eld.  W.  Glover,  a  licentiate,  by  whose  labors 
the  church  enjoyed  a  second  refreshing  and  enlargement. 
Elders  Bond  and  Johnson  aided  in  the  work,  and  baptized 
the  converts. 

For  a  period  of  about  five  years  after  this  revival,  they 
prospered  with  but  occasional  preaching.  In  1831,  Eld. 

*Green.  Eccl.  his.  p.  206.    fEld.  Case's  Journal. 


342  CHURCH  IN  PENOBSCOT. 

Buck  again  became  pastor,  and  did  much  to  establish  the 
church  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel.  In  1834,  Eld.  W.  H. 
Beckwith  was  elected  pastor,  and  the  church  enjoyed  anoth- 
er revival  season,  and  had  some  increase.  Twenty  of  its 
members  were  now  set  off  to  form  the  Village  Church  East 
Machias.  In  1838,  Eld.  Charles  Emerson,  their  present 
pastor,  entered  this  field  of  labor.  By  his  ministry,  which 
has  been  bestowed  only  in  part  upon  this  church,  the  cause 
of  God  has  prospered.  A  precious  revival  was  enjoyed  in 
the  winter  of  1840,  when  thirty-eight  were  added.  Eld.  C. 
Emerson  and  J.  Gillpatrick,  originated  in  this  church. 
Their  present  number  is  one  hundred  and  sixty,  and  are 
advancing  the  cause  of  truth,  aided  only  by  one  half  the 
ministry  of  their  pastor.* 

PENOBSCOT.  This  town  originally  included  Castine, 
and  was,  by  the  Indians,  called  '  Majorbigwaduce,'  and  is 
still  by  some,  called  by  the  corrupt  name,  '  Bagaduce.'t 
Congregationalists  were  in  this  field  at  an  early  date.  A 
parish  was  established  in  1793,  and  in  1795  a  Congrega- 
tional church  was  gathered. | 

As  the  settlers  increased,  a  few  Baptists  gained  a  resi- 
dence in  town.  Occasionally,  Baptist  preachers  were 
here  :  but  Eld.  Roundy,  while  pastor  at  Bluehill,  was  the 
principal  instrument  in  planting  the  sentiments  of  the  Bap- 
tists, and  although  their  principles  were  indignantly  reject- 
ed by  most  of  the  people ;  yet  their  influence  was  silent  and 
successful. 

A  revival  was  enjoyed  by  the  Baptists  in  Bluehill  in 
1816,  which  extended  into  this  town,  by  which  means 
fifteen  or  twenty  were  converted  and  added  to  the  church 
in  B.  The  fruits  of  this  revival,  together  with  those  who 
were  converted  in  a  revival  in  1819,  laid  the  foundation 

*Eld.  C.  Emerson's  Com.,  Min  W.  A.    tPenobscot  town  records,  cit,  by 
Greenleaf  his.  sk.  p.  160,    {.Green,  his.  sk.  p.  161, 


CHURCH  IN  SWAN  ISLAND.  343 

for  a  church,  which  was  regularly  organized  in  1820,  with 
thirty-five  members.  The  same  year  Eld.  J.  Roundy  be- 
came its  pastor;  in  1821,  they  were  blessed  with  another 
revival,  and  encouraged  by  an  enlargement  ;  and  in  1823, 
they  provided  for  their  convenience  a  small  house  for  the 
worship  of  God.  These  were  times  of  prosperity,  in  the 
midst  of  which  Eld.  R.  resigned  his  charge.  They  have 
since  suffered  a  long  night  of  darkness,  of  trial,  and  of 
decrease.  From  1823  to  1841,  it  had  but  little  preaching, 
excepting  one  year  (1833)  when  they  were  favored  with 
the  stated  ministry  of  Eld.  W.  Marshall.  In  1841,  Elder 
T.  J.  Jewett  began  to  aid  them  with  a  part  of  his  ministry, 
which  has  been  a  blessing  to  the  church,  and  the  Baptist 
cause  is  now  rising  in  town  as  from  obscurity.  Their 
number  is  thirty-seven.* 

SWAN  ISLAND.  Previous  to  1816,  there  were  but  few 
professors  of  religion  on  this  Island,  and  these  neglected  to 
assemble  for  the  worship  of  God.  Says  our  informant,  'they 
had  not  love  enough  to  God  to  face  a  frowning  world,  in 
vindication  of  his  cause.'  But  God  had  a  people  here,  and 
by  his  own  selected  instrumentalities,  he  raised  them  up. 
The  first  effort  which  he  blessed  to  the  good  of  souls,  was 
a  sermon  preached  by  Rev.  E.  Eaton,  a  Congregationalist, 
in  1816.  By  this  means,  a  pious  widow,  who  was  then 
employed  as  a  school-teacher,  was  much  quickened,  and 
several  souls  converted.  This  widow  assembled  the  people, 
and  by  her  advice,  regular  meetings  for 'praying,  singing, 
and  reading  sermons,  were  set  up.  These  meetings  were 
profitable,  as  they  established  a  religious  influence  on  the 
Island. 

In  1817,  Bryant  Lennon,  a  Baptist  licentiate,  began  to 
labor  among  this  people  with  success.  A  number  more 
were  now  converted,  and  by  their  request,  a  council  was 

*J.  Perkins'  Com. 


344  SECOND  CHURCH  IN  ADD1SON 

convened,  to  whom  twelve  persons  related  their  Christian 
experience,  and  were  baptized  by  Eld.  Samuel  Allen,  of 
Deer  Isle.  They  were  then  recognized  as  a  church  in 
gospel  order,  and  the  next  year  Mr.  Lennon  was  ordained 
as  a  minister  of  Christ  among  them.  By  his  ministry,  and 
by  the  occasional  preaching  of  Eld.  D.  Merrill,  the  church 
for  some  years  prospered.  Mr.  Lennon  left  in  1827.  In 
1828,  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson  visited  and  preached  to  their 
benefit.  They  have  since  been  dependent  upon  occasional 
supplies.  The  church  was  enlarged  in  1832,  under  the 
labors  of  Eld.  E.  Bedel.  Elder  S.  Macomber  has  since 
favored  them  with  a  portion  of  his  ministry.  Their  present 
number  is  fifty-eight.* 

SECOND  ADDISON,  (first  called  '  JONESBORO'  and  ADDI- 
SON.')  It  was  gathered  under  the  labors  of  Eld.  Isaac 
Bridges,  and  was  constituted  in  1818,  with  twenty-five 
members.  Aaron  Wass  was  its  first  and  worthy  deacon. 
In  1825  and  '26,  they  were  encouraged  by  the  preaching 
of  Eld.  Samuel  Allen  of  Deer  Isle,  a  considerable  part  of 
the  time.  In  1826  the  Lord  revived  his  work,  and  fifty- 
nine  were  added  to  the  church.  But  many  who  had  glad- 
dened the  church  by  a  profession,  soon  '  made  shipwreck 
of  their  faith,'  and  were  excluded.  Also  a  sweeping  sick- 
ness removed  several  of  its  most  worthy  members',  among 
whom  was  their  lamented  deacon  Wass.  They  next  en- 
joyed the  stated  ministry  by  Mr.  J.  Henderson.  He  was 
with  them  from  1832  till  1835,  and  at  first  was  useful  to 
them,  but  left  in  difficulty  and  discouragement.  But  He 
who  never  slumbers,  watched  over  them  and  rescued  the 
church  from  destruction.  Their  numbers  were,  however, 
again  diminished. 

In  1837  Elder  Isaac  Boynton,  their  first  pastor,  began 
his  successful  ministry  among  them.  By  his  labors  God 

*J.  Stockbriclge's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  LUBEC.  345 

built  up  this  church,  and  made  them  to  enjoy  '  blessings  in 
heavenly  places.'  Their  present  number  is  one  hundred 
and  three.*  [Mr.  Boynton  died  Oct.  28,  1844.] 

LUBEC.  The  first  Baptists  in  Lubec  were  the  fruits  of  a 
Baptist  influence  from  the  church  in  Eastport.  During 
the  revival  enjoyed  by  that  church  in  1794  and  '95,  sever- 
al persons  were  converted  on  what  is  called  the  '  Neck.' 
In  1802  they  were  recognized  as  a  branch  to  the  Eastport 
church ;  but  it  soon  was  nearly  lost.  A  few  praying  souls 
however  remained  to  plead  the  cause  of  God,  and  in  1820 
nine  persons  were  regularly  organized  into  a  church,  and 
by  the  blessing  of  God  they  increased,  and  were  able  in 
1822,  to  erect  for  themselves  a  commodious  house  of  wor- 
ship, at  a  cost  of  $1690.  From  their  organization  till 
1825,  they  had  but  occasional  preaching,  by  Elders  Wm, 
Johnson  and  J.  Roundy.  In  1825  E.  N.  Harris,  a  licen- 
tiate, commenced  preaching  with  them.  Soon  after  Eld. 
N.  Cleaveland  united  his  pious  ministry  with  the  efforts  of 
Mr.  Harris,  and  some  revival  was  witnessed,  which  increas- 
ed the  number  of  the  church.  The  next  year  Mr.  Harris 
was  ordained  pastor.  But  unfortunately  for  the  Baptists, 
he  was  not  true  to  his  trust.  He  soon  denied  the  faith  of 
the  gospel,  and  became  a  Universalist.  His  deception  was 
cloaked  by  an  easy  and  ready  communicativeness,  and  a 
semblance  of  piety.  The  cross  of  Christ  was  too  humil- 
iating, he  therefore  deserted  these  disciples. 

Since  that  period  the  Baptists  have  passed  through  some 
changes  and  many  trials.  In  1830  Mr.  Henderson  came 
among  them,  but  his  doings  were  deleterious  to  their  cause. 
With  his  efforts  a  serious  division  originated  in  the  church. 
A  party  called  the  '  Henderson  party,'  withdrew,  and  com- 
menced operations  by  themselves,  but  they  soon  paused  in 
their  measures ;  some  returned  to  the  church  and  others 

*Eld.  T.  Boynton's  Com. 


346  CHURCH  IN  AMHERST. 

joined  the  Methodists.  This  was  a  severe  affliction  to  the 
church ;  and  since  that  period  they  have  had  anything  but 
rest.  They  were  assisted  by  the  ministry  and  efforts  of 
Eld.  Bedel  in  1831 ;  of  Wm.  Gooding,  a  licentiate,  from 
England,  who  was  ordained  pastor,  in  1834  ;  of  Eld.  Thos. 
Magee,  who  was  pastor  in  1835 ;  of  Eld.  D.  McGregor, 
who  was  pastor  from  1837,  about  two  years. 

In  1833  Eld.  D.  Thompson  united  his  efforts  with  the 
pastor,  and  a  glorious  and  extensive  revival  added  one 
hundred  and  fifty-eight  to  the  church  by  baptism.  Almost 
every  section  of  the  town  shared  in  the  blessing.  By  a 
natural  division  of  the  town  into  sections,  occasioned  by  a 
small  bay,  the  church  now  consisted  of  two  parts,  and 
could  be  better  accommodated  in  their  respective  sections. 
That  part  where  the  church  had  existed,  was  called  the 
'  Branch  on  the  Neck ;'  the  other  part  was  called  the 
'  Branch  at  South  Bay,'  where  now  exists  the  second 
church.  The  old  branch  continued  to  worship  in  -their 
meeting  house,  and  the  new  branch  commenced  a  house 
at  South  Bay.*  Soon  difficulties  began  again  to  trouble 
and  distract  the  movements  of  both  branches,  and  especial 
trials  existed  at  the  neck.  These  trials  continued  to  dis- 
unite and  weaken  the  church,  so  that  the  ministry  of  Eld. 
Wm.  N.  Slason  in  1840,  and  of  Eld.  D.  Dodge  in  1841, 
were  fruitless.  Though  this  church  has  enrolled  one  hun- 
dred and  ninety-one  members,  yet  its  place,  its  influence, 
and  prosperity  is  nearly  lost  by  its  internal  disorders,  and 
it  is  feared  that  a  dissolution  and  re-organization  will  be 
the  only  means  to  place  the  Baptist  cause  in  that  part  of 
the  town  in  a  healthy  condition. 

AMHEUST,  (first  called  '  MARIAVILLE.')  As  early  as 
1808,  Eld.  Amos  Allen  visited  Mariaville,  and  was  the  first 
Baptist  who  preached  Christ  to  the  new  settlers.  He  oc- 

*Stcphen  Rummery's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  AMHERST— CUTLER.  347 

casionally  repeated  his  visits,  till  1816,  and  by  means  of 
his  labors,  some  were  converted,  and  two  persons  were 
baptized.  These  efforts  prepared  the  way  of  the  Lord  in 
this  vicinity,  and  laid  the  foundation  for  this  church,  and 
the  one  since  organized  in  Mariaville. 

Eld.  Wm.  Johnson,  in  1820,  was  made  a  special  blessing 
to  this  people.  Under  his  ministry,  the  good  seed  sown  by 
Elder  Allen,  began  to  vegetate  and  bear  fruit.  Several 
persons  were  converted  and  baptized.  In  1821,  a  church 
of  sixteen  members  was  organized,  which  is  now  the  church 
'  Amherst.'  About  this  time  the  Congregationalists  began 
to  operate  in  town,  and  by  '  their  interference  and  exertions, 
several  who  were  baptized  by  Eld.  Johnson,  were  drawn 
into  their  society.' 

This  church  has  had  but  one  pastor,  and  for  one  year 
only,  Eld.  W.  C.  Rider,  1830 ;  yet  they  have  generally  had 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  and  have  been  blessed  with 
several  revivals.  There  was  a  refreshing  in  1822,  Elder 
Wm.  Johnson  preacher  ;  another  in  1826  and  '27,  El- 
der Rider  preacher  ;  a  third  in  1831,  Elder  Hatch 
preacher  ;  and  a  fourth  in  1838,  E.  Jewett  preacher.  In 
1830,  the  church  in  Mariaville  was  set  off,  as  the  fruits  of 
the  revival ;  and  Aurora  in  1843.  Elders  E.  and  A.  Bedel 
originated  in  this  church.  It  has  seventy-seven  members.* 

CUTLER.  The  Baptists  were  the  first  to  make  any  efforts 
to  evangelize  the  people  in  Cutler.  Elder  Henry  Hale, 
while  on  a  voluntary  mission  in  1806,  spent  a  short  time 
and  preached  in  Cutler,  and  the  next  year  a  few  persons 
were  baptized,  and  a  church  of  twenty-four  members  was 
organized. 

In  1819,  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson  visited  Cutler,  and  found 
this  church  in  a  feeble  and  scattered  state.  He  was  instru- 
mental in  their  revival,  and  several  were  added  to  them.  In 

*John  B.  Foster,  Ch.  Clk.  Com. 


348  CHURCH  IN  HANCOCK— FRANKLIN. 

1822,  they  were  able  to  build  a  house  of  worship.  This 
church  has  since  had  some  peculiar  trials.  In  1828,  addi- 
tions were  made  by  Eld.  Trask  ;  in  1829,  by  Eld.  Bedel  ; 
in  1831,  by  Eld.  Buck  ;  in  1834,  by  Eld.  Beckwith  ;  and 
in  1837,  by  Eld.  Wm.  N,  Slason.  '  Soon  after  Eld.  Slason 
closed  his  labors  with  them,  Mr.  Henderson  came  into  the 
town,  and  preached,  and  soon  the  church  was  divided,  the 
Sabbath  School  closed,  and  the  walls  of  Zion  thrown  down.' 
In  1842,  Eld.  D.  Dodge  became  their  pastor,  and  still 
devotes  a  part  of  his  ministry  to  their  benefit.  They  are, 
however,  as  yet,  in  a  tried  and  feeble  state.  Their  number 
is  forty.* 

HANCOCK,  (first  called  '  SECOND  SULLIVAN.')  In "1824, 
seventeen  members  were  dismissed  from  the  church  in 
Sullivan,  and  organized  into  the  church  now  called  Han- 
cock. The  next  year  it  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of 
fifty-four  by  baptism  ;  a  second  revival  added  twenty-four 
by  baptism;  and  by  a  third,  fifty-six  were  added  in  1838  ; 
and  in  1843,  they  gathered  a  fourth  harvest,  which  in- 
creased their  number  by  thirty-two. 

Besides  these  special  seasons  of  mercy  and  of  enlarge- 
ment, the  church  has  enjoyed  almost  uninterrupted  pros- 
perity, having  experienced  but  few  trials.  Not  having  a 
pastor  for  many  years,  it  has  been  aided  by  the  labors  of 
different  ministers,  who  have  preached  successively,  and 
during  stated  periods.  For  the  last  few  years,  they  have 
received  the  pastoral  care  of  Eld.  R.  Y.  Watson  one  half 
of  the  time,  the  other  half  being  devoted  to  the  interests  of 
the  Baptists  in  Sullivan.  This  church  has  a  meeting- 
house, and  numbers  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  mem- 
bers. The  second  church  in  Hancock  originated  with  this 
in  1842.t 

FRANKLIN.     Most  of  the  original  members  of  the  church 
*Dea.  P.  Libby's  Com.    fMin.  E.  M.  and  H.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN   FRANKLIN.  349 

in  Franklin,  were  dismissed  from  the  church  in  Sullivan. 
For  their  convenience,  and  the  advancement  of  the  gospel, 
they  were  organized  into  a  church  in  1825.  Their  num- 
ber was  twenty-eight  Their  means  of  improvement  and 
usefulness  were  quite  limited  for  several  years  ;  the  church 
therefore  was  deficient  in  influence,  and  gained  but  little 
by  their  organization.  In  1829,  however,  they  were 
encouraged  by  a  few  additions,  and  occasionally  with 
preaching  by  itinerant  preachers. 

From  1830  to  1838,  this  church  passed  through  a  period 
of  the  most  painful  and  distracting  trials.  These  trials 
were  occasioned  by  the  immoralities  of  Jedediah  Darling, 
whom  they  elected  as  pastor  in  1830.  In  1832  he  was 
deprived  of  the  pastoral  charge,  and  excluded  from  their 
fellowship.  In  these  movements,  however,  there  was  a 
minority  of  the  church  who  did  not  acquiesce,  but  opposed. 
By  the  request  of  the  church,  the  Association  at  its  next 
anniversary  sanctioned  their  doings,  and  resolved  their 
non-fellowship  with  Mr.  Darling.  This  by  no  means,  how- 
ever, was  satisfactory  to  the  minority.  Disunion  from 
year  to  year  paralyzed  all  their  doings.  An  attempt  was 
made  in  1835,  to  relieve  the  church  of  its  deadly  incum- 
brances  by  lopping  off  some  of  its  unfruitful  branches. 
Nineteen  of  the  members  only  were  found  to  renew  their 
covenant  and  fellowship.  They  did  so,  and  claimed  to  be 
the  church,  and  dropped  the  rest,  as  lost  members.  This 
movement  also  was  approved  by  the  Association.  In  1838 
Eld.  J.  Roundy  commenced  preaching  to  them.  A  revival 
was  enjoyed  which  not  only  enlarged  and  quickened  the 
church,  but  raised  it  somewhat  above  its  trials.*  They 
have  since  had  preaching  the  most  of  the  time  by  different 
ministers,  as  Elders  Roundy,  F.  Ellis,  S.  Baker  and  S. 
Fogg ;  but  the  church  is  still  a  feeble  body  of  sixty-two 

*Min.  E.  M.  and  H  Asso. 

16 


350  FIRST  CHURCH  IN 

members,   and  need   the  .sympathy  and  the  aid  of  a  mis* 
sionary. 

FIRST  ADDISON.  In  May  1825,  Rev.  John  Billings 
made  his  first  visit  to  Columbia.  The  church  in  Columbia 
and  Addison  numbered  at  that  time  about  fifty  members, 
mostly  females,  and  in  a  tried  and  scattered  condition, 
'  Soon  after  I  commenced  my  labors  with  them  as  a  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel/  says  Mr.  B.  'thing's  began  to  wear  a 
brighter  aspect.  The  Lord  poured  out  his  Spirit  and  it  was 
thought  that  about  one  hundred  souls  were  converted  to 
Christ,  a  large  proportion  of  whom  made  a  public  profes^ 
sion  of  religion.  The  same  year  the  church  invited  me 
to  unite  with  them,  receive  ordination  and  become  their 
pastor.  But  for  certain  reasons  I  declined  their  invitation/ 
A  large  part  of  the  church  was  in  Addisorr,  and  the  dis^ 
tance  rendered  it  inconvenient  for  them  to  meet  in  Colum- 
bia. Consequently  in  1826,  the  members  in  Addison,  fifty-- 
seven in  number,  were  by  mutual  consent  dismissed  and 
recognized  the  first  Baptist  church  in  Addison ;  and,  on 
the  12th  of  July  of  that  year,  Mr.  Billings  was  placed  over 
them  as  pastor  by  ordination.  Eld.  B.  left  in  the  fall  of 
'43,  and  Eld.  John  Johnson  became  his  successor  in  the 
pastoral  office. 

This  has  been  a  prosperous  church.  Besides  a  gradual 
increase  since  its  organization,  it  has  experienced  two  signal 
and  extensive  revivals.  In  1832  seventy  were  added  by  bap- 
tism, and  in  1839,  thirty-nine.  '  During  my  settlement 
with  this  church,'  says  M.  B.,  'nothing  transpired  to  dis- 
turb those  Christian  and  friendly  feelings,  which  first 
existed  between  myself  and  the  people  of  my  charge.  We 
lited  in  peace  and  love.' 

This  church  has  its  second  house  of  worship,  built  in 
1889.  Their  number  was  diminished  in  1843,  by  the 
dismission  of  about  seventy  members  to  form  the  east 


SECOND  BLUEHILL— CRAWFORD— ELLSWORTH.    351 

church  in  Harrington  ;  and  yet  it  remains  an  efficient  body 
of  one  hundred  and  eighty-two  members.* 

SECOND  BLUEHILL,  The  second  church  in  Bluehill 
owes  its  existence  to  the  influence  under  God,  of  the  first 
churches  in  Sedgwick  and  Bluehill.  Its  original  members 
were  from  these  churches.  It  occupies  a  central  position 
between  them.  It  was  organized  in  1825.  In  1833,  By  a 
work  of  divine  mercy,  thirty-four  were  added  by  baptism. 
In  1837  Eld.  Amos  Allen  received  the  pastoral  charge,  and 
aided  its  prosperity  till  1843.  Their  number  then  was  sev- 
enty-two, being  increased  that  year  by  thirteen  baptisms.t 

CRAWFORD,  (first  called  '  No  20.')  A  church  of  nine- 
teen members  was  gathered  in  this  new  town  in  1825. 
A  revival  in  1826,  increased  the  number  to  seventy-three. 
In  1829,  twenty-five  were  dismissed  to  aid  in  building  a 
church  in  the  town  of  Cooper,  and  various  other  losses, 
soon  reduced  this  church  to  a  fraction  more  than  forty. 

They  had  occasional  preaching  only.  Eld.  B.  Buck 
aided  their  advancement  by  a  part  of  his  ministry  in  1830. 
In  1832  they  were  again  enlarged  by  a  revival.  They 
erected  a  house  of  worship  in  1837.  The  church  then 
had  fifty-nine  members.  In  1842  they  received  a  fourth 
of  the  ministry  of  Eld.  Daniel  Dodge.  But  declension  in 
the  church  paralyzed  his  efforts.  At  the  close  of '43,  they 
were  in  a  low  and  scattered  state,  having  only  thirty-six 
members.  The  beloved  Benjamin  Fletcher,  who  died  in 
1842,  while  in  course  of  study  preparatory  to  the  gospel 
ministry,  was  licensed  to  preach  by  this  church.  A  respect- 
ful notice  of  his  death  was  taken  by  the  Washington  As- 
sociation at  their  annual  meeting  for  that  year.J 

ELLSWORTH.  Ellsworth,  on  Union  river,  settled  as  early 
as  17G3,  was  at  first  under  a  Presbyterian  influence.  The 
Congregationalists  followed  and  formed  a  church  in  1812. 

"Rev.  J.  Billings'  Com.    tMin.  H.  Asso.     JMiu.  W.  Asso. 


352  CHURCH  IN  PEMBROKE. 

P.  Nourse,  minister.  The  people  of  Ellsworth,  therefore, 
had  no  particular  respect  for  the  sentiments  of  the  Baptists. 
In  a  very  extensive  revival  enjoyed  by  the  Baptists  in  Sur- 
ry  in  1827,  a  few  souls  in  Ellsworth  were  converted,  and 
united  with  the  church  in  Surry.  In  1828,  seventeen 
members  dismissed  from  S.  were  organized  into  a  church 
in  Ellsworth.  This  church  never  prospered,  and  in  1837 
it  was  disbanded.* 

PEMBROKE.  Pembroke  was  formerly  called  Peunema- 
quam,  and  is  about  twelve  miles  west  of  Eastport.  Elder 
Case  and  other  travelling  preachers  in  Maine,  and  from 
New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  began  to  preach  here 
occasionally  about  as  soon  as  the  Baptists  commenced  in 
Eastport,  and  those  who  becamepious  Baptists  in  P.,  united 
at  first  with  the  church  in  Eastport.  Distance,  bad  roads, 
and  the  danger  in  crossing  the  bay  to  Eastport,  occasioned 
a  separation,  and  the  recognition  of  the  Baptists  in  Pem- 
broke as  a  church  about  the  year  1800.  But  having  none 
to  instruct  or  encourage  them,  the  church  was  soon  lost, 
and  for  several  years  the  religious  affairs  of  the  people 
remained  in  a  broken  and  sad  condition.  There  was, 
however,  some  lively  stories  not  to  be  lost  amidst  the  ruins. 
In  1805  a  Congregational  church  was  gathered  by  the 
missionary  efforts  of  Rev.  Jotham  Sewall ;  but  for  many 
years  this  church  remained  in  a  feeble  state,  and  was  una- 
ble to  settle  a  pastor  .t 

The  few  Baptists  who  continued  to  hold  fast  their  faith 
through  a  series  of  obstacles,  were  gathered  together  and 
strengthened  by  a  few  occasional  efforts  made  by  Eld.  B. 
Buck  in  1819,  then  pastor  of  the  church  in  Eastport.  A 
second  attempt  was  made  to  move  forward  in  the  capacity 
of  a  church.  The  church  now  formed,  consisted  of  eleven 
members,  and  for  several  years  received  much  profitable 

*Min.  E.  M.  and  H.  Asso.    fGreen.  Eccl.  his.  p.  207. 


CHURCH  IN  CHARLOTTE.  353 

aid  from  this  faithful  man  of  God.  From  1822  to  1829 , 
the  Baptist  cause  advanced  by  the  occasional  visits  of  Eld 
Wm.  Johnson,  and  about  thirty  were  added  to  the  church. 
In  1832,  Wm.  H.  Beckwith,  a  licentiate  from  New  Bruns- 
wick, was  ordained  in  this  church. 

With  the  year  1834,  commenced  a  new  period  in  the 
history  of  the  church.  Elder  C.  Emerson  became  its  pas- 
tor, and  remained  about  two  years.  In  1837,  Eld.  S.  Fogg 
spent  several  months  with  profit  to  them,  and  the  same  year 
Eld.  Wm.  N.  Slason  became  pastor.  He  preached  with 
them  one  half  the  time  for  about  five  years,  and  they  were 
much  enlarged  under  his  ministry.  In  1843,  they  were 
destitute.  Their  number  is  fifty-nine.* 

CHARLOTTE.  Many  of  the  first  settlers  in  Charlotte 
moved  from  Pembroke,  and  of  these  some  were  Baptists. 
Soon  the  people  were  supplied  with  preachers  by  the  Meth- 
odists and  Free-will  Baptists,  and  societies  embracing  their 
sentiments  were  formed  and  enlarged.  To  these  religious 
pioneers  the  Baptists  felt  strong  attachments.  But  they 
were  Baptists ;  and  did  not  find  all  their  spiritual  desires 
gratified,  by  such  a  ministry.  They  thus  lived  several 
years.  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson  was  the  first  Baptist  to  preach 
Christ  here.  In  the  summer  of  1829,  he  was  successful  in 
gathering  these  disciples  together  for  prayer  and  worship. 
God  converted  others  and  added  to  their  numbers,  and  in 
August,  thirty  members  were  recognized  as  a  gospel 
church.  In  1832  the  church  by  a  revival  was  quickened 
and  enlarged.  From  this  time  to  1838,  this  branch  of 
Zion  travelled  through  trials  and  painful  difficulties,  and 
sustained  a  considerable  loss  of  its  members.t  In  the  fall 
of  '38,  Mr.  Slason  of  Pembroke,  commenced  preaching 
with  them  one  fourth  of  the  time  and  his  ministry  was 

*Eltl.  W.  N.  Slason's  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A. 
tEld.  Wm.  N.  Slason's  Com. 


354       CHURCH  IN  COOPER— MARIAVILLE— CALAIS. 

blessed  to  their  peace  and  fruitfulness.  In  1843  they  were 
a  destitute  body  of  sixty-two  members. 

COOPER.  In  1828,  a  revival  was  enjoyed  in  the  east 
part  of  Cooper,  under  the  labors  of  Elds.  A.andE.  Bedel. 
The  converts  united  with  the  church  in  Charlotte;  but 
towards  the  close  of  the  year  they  were  dismissed  and 
recognized  with  others  as  the  church  in  Cooper.  In 
1836,  Elder  Evan  Powell  became  pastor.  He  sustained 
the  pastorate,  preaching  for  them  a  part  of  the  time  till 

1842,  when  he  resigned,   to  give  his  attention  to  the 
cultivation  of  a  more  promising  field.     The  church,  in 

1843,  were  destitute,  with  thirty-one  members.* 
MARIAVILLE,  first  called  'SECOND  MARIAVILLE.'     In 

the  fall  of  1829,  the  Baptists  in  Mariaville  took  their 
dismission  from  the  church  in  Amherst,  called  'First 
Mariaville,'  and  by  their  request  were  recognized  as  a 
church.  Their  number  was  twenty-four,  and  their 
prospects  flattering.  For  several  years  they  were  as- 
sisted by  the  labors  of  P.  N.  Kimball,  a  licentiate,  and 
in  1831  the  church  was  much  enlarged  by  a  revival. 
From  1832  to  1842,  they  passed  through  many  trials, 
yet  enjoyed  spiritual  prosperity,  with  preaching  not 
more  than  one  fourth  or  one  half  the  time.  Elder  B. 
Buck  became  its  first  pastor,  in  1842.  In  1843,  the 
church  was  in  an  encouraging  state,  with  ninety-four 
members. "f 

CALAIS.  Calais  lies  along  the  western  bank  of  the 
St.  Croix  river,  and  has  two  pleasant  and  flourishing 
villages,  one  known  by  the  name  of  'Salt-water,'  at  the 
head  of  the  tide;  the  other,  called  'Mill-town,'  is  two 
miles  above.  The  lower  village  is  about  twenty  miles 
above  Eastport.  There  are  villages  opposite  to  these 
on  the  English  side  of  the  river,  and  they  are  places  of 
considerable  business. 

*Min.  E.  M.  and  W.  A.    fMin.  E.  M.  and  H.  A. 


CHURCH  IN  CALAIS.  855 

Previous  to  the  spring  of  1832,  the  Baptists  made  no 
religious  efforts  in  this  town.  But  few  of  the  denomi- 
nation had  gained  a  residence  here.  The  circumstances 
which  opened  the  way  for  the  gathering  a  church,  were 
somewhat  peculiar  and  interesting. 

In  March  previous  to  the  organization  of  the  church 
in  May,  1832,  Samuel  Kelley,  a  present  deacon  of  the 
church,  and  resident  at  'Salt-water,' together  with  some 
others,  attended  a  quarterly  conference  held  by  tho 
Baptists  in  Charlotte.  At  this  meeting,  says  deacon 
Kelley,  'I  became  very  much  impressed  with  the  duty 
of  aiding  in  the  formation  of  a  Baptist  church  in  Calais, 
and  named  the  subject  to  two  of  my  Baptist  brethren 
who  were  from  Calais;  but  they  gave  it  as  their  opinion 
that  we  could  not  build  the  house  for  want  of  timber.' 
Deacon  Kelley  was  not,  however,  discouraged  by  their 
unbelief.  He  says:  'I  became  more  and  more  anxious, 
and  in  conference  with  some  of  my  brethren  of  the 
meeting,  I  received  encouragement  to  go  on.  At  the 
<;lose  of  this  meeting  I  returned  home  happy  in  the  an- 
ticipation of  a  church  in  Calais.  I  arrived  home,  and 
while  taking  some  refreshment,  and  refreshing  the  pious 
heart  of  ray  companion,  who  also  was  a  Baptist,  by  an 
account  of  the  meeting,  I  remarked,  how  thankful  I 
should  be  to  have  some  Baptist  brother  come  in,  with 
whom  I  could  converse  upon  the  things  of  the  kingdom. 
I  was  then  informed  that  a  man  in  the  other  room  desired 
to  see  me.  I  rose  from  the  table  and  said  to  my  wife,  my 
request  is  granted — a  Baptist  has  come.'  The  following 
conversation  then  followed  between  deacon  Kelley  and 
the  stranger: — 'Are  you  a  Christian?'  'I  hope  I  am.' 
'Are  you  a  Baptist?'  'lam.'  'Then,'  said  dea.  Kelley, 
*God  has  sent  you  to  me.'  This  man  soon  moved  into 
town,  and  became  one  of  the  original  memberg  of  the 
-church. 


356  CHURCH  IN  CALAIS. 

'Soon  after  this,' says  deacon  Kelley,  'I  was  met  in 
the  street  by  one  who  inquired  for  dea.  Kelley.  Having 
introduced  myself,  he  said  that  he  understood  we  desired 
to  organize  a  church,  and  he  recommended  a  young 
minister  in  the  Province,  by.the  name  of  Robinson,  who 
would  be  of  great  service  to  us.  The  stranger  left  me, 
and  I  have  never  seen  him  since.  I  wrote  immediately 
to  Mr.  Robinson,  and  he  came.  At  the  close  of  the 
first  service  two  persons,  and  members  of  the  English 
Methodist  church,  rose,  witnessed  to  the  truth,  and  de- 
sired to  unite  with  the  Baptists  in  forming  a  church. 
Two  females  and  the  husband  of  one  of  them,  and  a 
Methodist  class-leader,  were  among  the  first  baptized.' 
We  regard  these  circumstances  as  the  more  interesting 
from  their  providential  occurrence,  thus  evincing  the 
hand  of  God  in  these  movements.  Elder  Robinson  was 
successful,  and  the  church  desired  was  recognized  in 
May,  consisting  of  eleven  members. 

At  their  first  conference  in  June,  six  persons  offered 
themselves  and  were  received  for  baptism.  They  were 
the  first  baptized  in  town.  Prosperity  in  the  chnrch 
commenced  with  its  existence,  and  for  several  years  the 
Baptists  gained  rapidly  in  numbers  and  influence.  In 
December,  1832,  they  commenced  building  their  house 
of  worship  at  'Mill-town,'  where  this  church  now  as- 
semble. As  the  fruits  of  a  revival  on  the  British  side, 
and  at  a  place  called  'the  Reach,'  forty-eight  were  in 
May,  1833,  set  off  from  this  church  and  embodied  there. 

From  their  organization  to  the  settlement  of  E.  N. 
Harris,  they  were  supplied  first  by  the  ministry  of  Eld. 
S.  Robinson,  and  then  by  William  H.  Beckwith,  a  li- 
centiate. Mr.  Harris  preached  about  two  years,  before 
his  faith  was  wrecked  upon  the  quicksands  of  Univer- 
salism.  Elder  J.  Huckins  was  their  second  pastor,  from 


FIRST  CHURCH  IN  HARRINGTON.  357 

1835,  about  three  years.  This  was  a  period  of  unusual 
prosperity.  In  1836,  the  church  in  East  Calais  was  set 
off,  and  in  1838,  thirty-eight  members  were  dismissed 
to  form  the  church  in  Baring.  Elder  E.  D.  Very  was 
their  next  pastor,  and  officiated  for  them  till  the  brethren 
at  'Salt-water'  were  recognized  as  a  separate  church, 
in  1841,  when  he  became  their  pastor.  They  then  (set- 
tled Elder  W.  N.  Slason.  This  church  also  contributed 
some  of  the  materials  for-the  church  in  Topsfield.  It 
has  furnished  for  the  ministry,  Thompson,  Magee,  Burns, 
Nugent,  Porter,  and  Todd.  The  latter  in  1843  was  in 
a  course  of  preparatory  •  studies.  Surely,  in  view  of 
these  facts,  we  may  exclaim,  'what  hath  God  wrought!' 
Where,  in  1832,  only  eleven  Baptists  appeared,  in 
1843,  we  find  nearly  three  hundred.  This  church  had 
eighty-five.* 

FIRST  HARRINGTON.  This  town  lies  east  of  Cherry- 
field,  and  the  first  Baptists  here  became  members  of  the 
church  there.  In  1832,  twenty-one  members  from  the 
church  in  Cherryfield,  together  with  five  others,  were 
recognized  as  the  Baptist  church  in  Harrington.  In  a 
few  months,  Elder  B.  Buck  became  their  pastor,  and 
continued  until  1840.  Under  his  ministry  they  enjoyed 
a  season  of  revival,  in  1834,  when  twenty-two  were 
added  by  baptism.  For  two  or  three  years  they  pros- 
pered. Difficulties  then  arose,  which  continued  till  the 
fall  of  1842,  when  union  and  encouragement  was  re- 
stored by  the  blessing  of  God,  on  the  labors  of  a  visiting 
committee,  sent  to  their  aid  by  the  Association. 

Soon  after  this,  by  their  invitation,  Elder  E.  Nugent 
came  among  them,  and  God  made  him  instrumental  in 
building  up  the  church,  and  in  the  spring  of  1843,  he 
was  ordained  as  their  minister.  He  preaches  for  them 

*Dea.  Sam'l  Kelley,  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A. 


358  BRANCH  POND— REED'S  BROOK— EAST  MACHIAS. 

half  of  the  time,  with  profit.  They  have  a  convenient 
house  of  worship,  and  number  fifty-six  members.* 

BRANCH  POND.  A  church  by  this  name  was  gathered 
in  1833,  and  September,  1834,  had  twenty-six  members. 
In  1838,  it  received  some  increase,  but  has  never  been 
blessed  with  a  stated  ministry.  God  has  however  raised 
up  from  among  them,  one,  Elder  Thomas  J.  Swett,  to 
preach  his  gospel.  Their  present  number  is  thirty-two. "j" 

REED'S  BROOK.  This  church  is  in  the  vicinity  of 
Ellsworth,  and  was  gathered  as  the  fruits  of  the  occa- 
sional labors  of  Elders  Lord,  King  and  Gary,  in  1834. 
'Previous  to  1826,'  says  deacon  Garland,  'there  was  no 
church,  no  house  for  prayer,  among  us;'  but  that  year, 
Elder  John  King  devoted  a  portion  of  his  useful  labors 
for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  souls  in  this  neighborhood, 
and  the  Lord  converted  many  to  himself  by  this  means. 
But  the  Methodists  came  in,  and  soon  divisions  arose, 
and  Elder  King  being  called  away,  the  Methodists  got 
up  a  class,  took  the  ground,  and  held  it  about  seven 
years.' 

In  the  winter  of  1834,  the  people  here  were  blessed 
with  another  revival,  which  resulted  in  the  organization 
of  a  Baptist  church.  'At  this  time,'  says  dea.  Garland, 
'we  had  great  persecutions ; '  but  God  it  seems  prospered 
them  in  the  midst  of  the  fire.  Though  never  blessed 
with  stated  pastoral  labors,  yet  they  have,  by  what  as- 
sistance they  could  obtain,  increased  from  thirteen  to 
thirty -five.  In  1842,  they  had  a  pleasing  revival  under 
the  labors  of  Arial  Kelley,  a  licentiate. J 

EAST  MACHIAS.  Previous  to  any  united  efforts  by  the 
Baptists  in  the  East  Machias  village,  Pedo-baptism  had 
planted  its  erroneous  standard,  and  most  of  the  people 
had  rallied  around  it.  But  at  Machias-Port,  the  faith 

*Ch.  Records.    fMin.  of  H.  A.    JDea.  B.  Garland's  Com.  and  M.  H.  A. 


CHURCH   IN  EAST  MACHIAS  359 

and  practice  of  the  Baptists  were  more  correctly  under- 
stood, and  a  church  of  considerable  influence  had  for 
many  years  existed.  This  light  had  shed  some  of  its 
rays  over  the  East  village,  and  some,  by  searching  care- 
fully for  gospel  truth,  became  Baptists,  and  united  with 
the  church  at  the  Port.  Though  living  in  a  community 
who  were  strongly  opposed  to  the  sentiments  of  Baptists, 
their  influence  was  felt  and  their  number  slowly  increased. 
In  1833,  they  began  to  be  moved  by  a  sense  of  duty,  to 
make  a  more  united  and  direct  attempt  to  sustain  the 
gospel  and  its  true  institutions  in  the  village;  and,  in 
the  spring  of  1834,  they  took  up  their  connection  with 
the  church  at  the  Port,  and  were  embodied  into  a  church 
at  the  village,  by  the  name  of  East  Machias.  Their 
number  was  twenty-four,  twenty  of  whom  were  females, 
and  two  of  the  males  only  resided  in  the  village.  Thus 
commenced  the  little  church  in  East  Machias.  Few, 
and  much  opposed,  and  being  mostly  females,  nothing 
short  of  a  pious  faith  could  predict  or  anticipate  success. 
But  their  trust  was  in  God,  and  they  prospered. 

Soon  after  their  embodiment,  Mr.  E.  N.  Harris  began 
to  labor  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  among  them.  But 
his  labors  soon  terminated,  and  Eld.  William  H.  Beck- 
with  was  their  pastor  from  August,  1835,  one  year. 
This  was  a  time  of  prosperity,  in  which  they  were  en- 
couraged by  additions,  and  erected  a  neat  and  beautiful 
house  of  worship,  furnished  with  a  bell  and  clock.  Eld. 
W.  N.  Slason  was  their  next  successful  pastor,  from 
August,  1836,  one  year.  In  1838,  Elder  E.  D.  Very 
supplied  their  pulpit  about  seven  months,  and  received 
ordination  as  an  evangelist.  In  1839,  Eld.  C.  Emerson, 
from  the  Port,  became  their  pastor,  and  preached  semi- 
monthly, and  by  his  labors  God  enlarged  the  church. 
It  deserves  to  be  noticed  here  that,  although  those  who 


360  HANCOCK  ASSOCIATION. 

practiced  Pedo-baptism  at  first  cruelly  opposed  the 
movements  of  the  Baptists,  in  1840,  they  united  with 
them  in  protracted  meetings,  to  promote  a  revival.  But 
we  fear  that  all  the  opposition  did  not  then  cease. 

In  1842,  the  church  settled  Elder  T.  B.  Robinson  as 
pastor,  but  sickness  severed  the  connexion  in  a  few 
weeks,  and  the  church  has  since  remained  destitute  of 
an  under-shepherd,  and  have  had  occasional  preaching 
only,  by  Elders  Emerson,  Hunting,  Fogg,  and  R.  W. 
E.  Brown.  Their  present  number  is  ninety-two,  and, 
although  destitute  of  a  pastor,  they  are  blessed  with  a 
valuable  gift  in  their  worthy  deacon,  William  Brown.* 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

HANCOCK    ASSOCIATION. 

Original   Churches— Eden,  p.  309;    First  Sedgwick,  263;   Blnehill,  272  ; 

Su'rry,  278  ;  Deer  Isle,  282;  Isle  au  Haul.  302  ;  Trenton,  29(5  ;  Sullivan, 

297;  Orland   and  Bnrksport,  285;  Brooksville,    30.5;  Ml.  Desert,  305 ; 

Gouldshoro',  310;    Pcnobscot,  342;  Swan  Island,  343 ;  Amherst,  34G  ; 

Hancock,  348;  Franklin.  34-3  ;  Second  Bluchill,  351  ;  Second  Sedgwiek, 

304;  Ellsworth,  351;  Mariaville,  354;  Branch  Pond,353;  Reed's  Brook, 

358. 
Churches  added  between  1835  and  1843 — Village  church  Ellsworth;  Little 

Deer  Isle ;  West  Trenton  ;  North  Penobscot ;  Second  Hancock  ;  North 

Sedgwick  ;  Long  Island  ;  Aurora. 

ON  the  second  of  September,  1835,  the  delegates 
from  twenty-two  churches  in  Hancock  county,  held  their 
first  meeting  at  the  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Trenton, 
and  proceeded  to  organize  the  Hancock  Association. 
It  numbered  eleven  ordained  ministers,  eight  of  whom 
were  pastors,  four  licentiates,  and  one  thousand  nine 
hundred  and  four  communicants. 

Besides  the  usual  business  transacted  at  such  annual 
meetings,  spirited  resolutions  were  passed,  in  favor  of 
ministerial  education,  temperance,  the  tract  cause, 

*P.  Foster  Folsom's  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A. 


HANCOCK  ASSOCIATION.  361 

religious  publications,  anti-slavery  principles  and  im- 
mediate emancipation,  and  foreign  missions.  The  Asso- 
ciation voted  to  correspond  with  the  several  Associations 
in  the  State  and  in  the  Provinces  of  New  Brunswick 
and  Nova  Scotia,  and  to  co-operate  in  the  work  attempted 
by  the  State  Convention.  Sabbath  schools  are  also 
recommended  to  the  attention  of  the  churches.  In  the 
transactions  of  business  at  subsequent  anniversaries  of 
this  body,  we  find  but  two  things  of  particular  historical 
importance. 

In  1836,  to  the  question,  'What  course  ought  the 
church  to  pursue  in  regard  to  a  member  in  good 
standing,  who  wishes  to  leave  the  church  to  join  another 
of  a  different  order?'  it  was  voted,  'that,  in  such  a  case, 
it  is  the  duty  of  the  church  to  labor  untiringly  to  estab- 
lish such  a  member  in  the  truth  of  the  ordinances,  and 
to  remove  all  difficulties;  but  if  no  proper  effort  can 
accomplish  this  desirable  object,  the  church  have  done 
its  duty.  If  the  member  leave,  and  join  another  order, 
he  has  not  only  embraced  error,  but  walked  disorderly, 
and  can  no  longer  be  retained  a  member;  but  the  whole 
intercourse  and  labor  with  such  member  should  be  ac- 
companied with  tender  Christian  affection  and  sympathy, 
which  would  not  withhold  a  written  testimonial  of  his 
moral  and  religious  character,  if  requested.'* 

In  order  to  lessen  the  business  of  the  annual  meeting, 
it  was  voted  'to  hold  a  semi-annual  meeting  on  the  fourth 
Wednesday  of  June  in  each  year,  to  attend  to  benevo- 
lent objects. '"I" 

The  Associational  years  1838  and  1843,  were  pre- 
eminently distinguished  for  extensive  revivals  and  large 
additions  to  the  churches.  And  from  1835  to  1843,  the 
Association  was  enlarged  by  eight  churches,  four  or- 

^Alin  for  1836.    fMin.  1810. 


362        ELLSWORTH  VILLAGE— LITTLE  DEER  ISLE. 

dained  ministers,  and  six  hundred  and  ninety-seven 
communicants.* 

ELLSWORTH  VILLAGE  CHURCH.  In  ancient  times  it 
was  no  uncommon  thing  to  see  new  and  splendid  cities 
rise  upon  the  ruins  of  others;  and  sometimes  the  spoils 
of  the  earlier  were  appropriated  to  enrich  and  beautify 
the  later.  Previous  to  the  recognition  of  the  village 
church  in  Ellsworth,  a  Baptist  church  had  existed  in 
town  several  years.  Never  having  prospered,  it  was 
disbanded  in  1837,  and  some  of  its  members  united  with 
others,  dismissed  from  the  church  in  Surry  to  constitute 
this  village  church,  which  then  consisted  of  twenty-nine 
members.  In  the  spring  of  this  year,  Elder  Allen  Bar- 
rows entered  upon  his  charge  of  their  spiritual  affairs. 
Unlike  the  old  church,  this  has  seen  days  of  prosperity. 
In  the  winter  of  1838,  this  Zion  was  made  to  rise  and 
shine,  and  the  glory  of  God  was  upon  it.  To  the  joy 
and  encouragement  of  both  pastor  and  people,  this  re- 
vival enlarged  the  church  by  sixty-one  by  baptism  and 
eighteen  by  letter.  Their  old  and  broken  sanctuary 
was  repaired,  and  a  nourishing  Sabbath  school  estab- 
lished. This  church  prospers,  with  eighty-six  members. "f 

LITTLE  DEER  ISLE.  A  small  church  of  twenty-three 
members  was  organized  on  this  island,  in  1838,  and 
Elder  Samuel  Macomber  was  reported  to  the  Hancock 
Association  as  their  minister,  or  bishop.  This  church, 
however,  has  not  prospered.  Its  visibility  is  maintained, 
but  with  a  gradual  loss  of  members.  It  needs  the  aid 
of  a  missionary .J 

WEST  TRENTON  AND  THIRD  TRENTON.  In  the  year 
1839,  a  very  extensive  and  interesting  revival  was  en- 
joyed in  the  first  church,  and  by  the  labors  of  Elder 
King,  its  pastor,  and  the  assistant  labors  of  Eld.  Eben. 

*Min.  1843.    tEkl.  A.  Barrows'  Com.  and  Min.  H.  A.    JMin.  H.  A. 


WEST  TRENTON— N.  PENOBSCOT— N.  SEDGVVICK.  363 

Pinkham  and  F.  Desisles,  extended  its  converting 
influences  into  the  various  sections  of  the  town.  The 
town  being  naturally  divided  by  narrow  creeks  or  arms 
of  the  sea,  it  became  expedient,  for  the  convenience  of 
the  brethren  in  these  divisions,  to  form  other  churches. 
Consequently,  the  west  church  and  third  church  in 
Trenton  were  organized.  The  former  had,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1839,  forty-four  members,  and  the  latter  twenty- 
two.  The  west  church  has  obtained  but  little  progress, 
while  the  third  church,  by  a  revival  in  1843,  nearly 
doubled  its  numbers.  Both  are  however  in  a  pleasant 
and  flattering  condition;  the  first  has  forty-one,  and  the 
second  forty  members.  They  have  never  had  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  pastor,  but  have  been  blessed  with  consid- 
erable ministerial  labor,  by  which  they  have  profited.* 

NORTH  PENOBSCOT.  This  church  was  organized  in 
September,  1841,  with  fifteen  members,  and  Augustus 
Rafnel  was  ordained  its  deacon.  It  was  composed  of 
persons  who  had  moved  into  this  vicinity  from  other 
churches.  They  have  since  been  favored  with  but  little 
preaching,  and  have  had  little  increase,  as  to  numbers, 
influence  or  ability.  Their  present  number  is  seventeen.! 

SECOND  HANCOCK.  In  1842,  as  the  fruits  of  the  wide 
spreading  influence  of  Baptist  sentiments  in  Hancock, 
a  second  church,  of  forty-two  members,  was  gathered 
in  the  town,  and  mostly  of  members  dismissed  from  the 
first.  This  church  is  progressing  ih  usefulness,  with 
John  Googins,  deacon. J 

NORTH  SEDGWICK.  This  church  was  organized  in 
March,  1843,  with  thirty-six  members,  dismissed  from 
First  Sedgwick,  Brooksville,  and  Second  Bluehill.  The 
reason  of  this  organization  was  their  distance  from  these 
churches,  and  a  revival  had  increased  the  number  of 

Min.  H.  Asso.    tMin.  H.  A.  and  J.  Perkins' Com.     JMin.  H.  A. 


364   LONG  ISLAND— AURORA  AND  PLANTATION  NO. 20. 

disciples  in  their  midst,  who  needed  a  spiritual  home. 
And,  as  an  interesting  fact  in  their  history,  within  a  few 
weeks,  their  number  was  increased  to  one  hundred  and 
four,  their  present  number.  They  are  much  assisted  in 
their  efforts  by  Elders  A.  Allen  and  C.  P.  St.  Clair, 
who  are  members.* 

LONG  ISLAND.  This  Island  is  situated  twelve  miles 
east  of  Naskeag  Point,  the  south  east  extremity  of 
Sedgwick,  and  the  outer  land  in  Placentia  Bay.  The 
church  here  originated  with  a  powerful  work  of  grace 
and  rnercy,  in  the  winter  of  1843,  in  connection  with 
the  ministry  of  Elder  C.  P.  St.  Clair,  and  was  composed 
of  twenty-six  members.  The  revival  continued  several 
months,  and  the  church  was  increased  to  forty-six,  its 
present  number. 

Although  in  years  past,  these  islanders  were  blessed 
with  the  occasional  visiting  and  preaching  of  such  min- 
isters as  Elders  A.  Cummings,  S.  Allen,  D.  Dodge,  S. 
Macomber,  and  a  few  others,  they  were  notorious  for 
their  profanity,  general  wickedness,  and  intemperance; 
and  when  the  work  of  God  commenced,  opposition  to  it 
was  strong  among  them.  But  a  stronger  than  they  was 
there,  and  most  of  the  twenty-three  families  now  resident 
on  the  Island  are  praying  families.  How  changed  the 
scene!  Piety,  peace,  order  and  harmony  now  reign, 
where  once  sin,  infidelity  and  polluting  habits  degraded 
society.'!" 

AURORA  AND  PLANTATION  No.  21.  In  this  newly 
settled  community,  Baptists  have  increased  with  the  pop- 
ulation. The  Baptists  in  Arnherst,  from  whose  church 
a  large  part  of  these  members  were  dismissed,  exerted 
a  favorable  and  pious  influence  on  the  society  in  Aurora 

*Zion's  Adv.  March  11,  1843,  and  Min.  A.  tB.  Lunt.s  Com.  and  Zion's 
Advocate,  1843,  March. 


HANCOCK  ASSOCIATION. 


365 


and  No.  21,  when  this  church  was  organized,  of  twenty- 
four  members.  Elder  Jeremiah  Jewett  was  their  pastor 
in  1843.* 

HANCOCK  ASSOCIATION.. ..TABULAR  VIEW. 


:= 

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116 

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164 

153 

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15 

185 

26 

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225 

131 

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Ellsworth  Vil.  Ch. 

1837  30 

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Jt: 

19 

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Little  Deer  Isle, 

183823 

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23 

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West  Trciiloii, 

1839  44 

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SdTrenlon, 

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North  Penobscot, 

1841115 

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2d  Hancock, 

18'12;42 

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North  Sedgwick, 

1843 

,ili 

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Aurora  and  PI.  No.  1, 

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*Min.  H.  A. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

WASHINGTON  ASSOCIATION. 

Original  Churches—  Columbia,  269;  Cherry  field,  294  ;  Easlport,  337  ;  Steu- 
ben,  295  ;  Machias-port,  310  ;  Jonesboro'  aud  Addison,344;  Lubec,  345  ; 


Ch 
i 

Village;  Second  Lubec  ;  Houlton;  Second  Harrington;  East  Harring- 
ton ;  Hodgdon  and  Richmond,  N.  B. 

THE  delegates  and  ministers  of  sixteen  churches  in 
Washington  county,  met  at  Columbia,  in  August,  1835, 
and  organized  the  Washington  Association.  At  this 
meeting,  the  church  in  Hodgdon  was  added  to  their 
number,  making  seventeen  churches,  with  one  thousand 
two  hundred  and  three  communicants.  These  were 
blessed  with  the  preaching  of  seven  ordained  ministers 
only.  This  Association  received  as  their  portion  of  the 
funds  held  by  the  Eastern  Maine  Association,  $47,90. 
This  body  has  enjoyed  unusual  prosperity,  considering 
the  limited  means  which  many  of  the  churches  have 
possessed. 

Its  number  of  churches,  in  1843,  was  twenty-eight; 
ordained  ministers,  eleven;  and  communicants,  one 
thousand  nine  hundred  and  eighty-six.  Several  of  the 
-churches  have  never  had  pastors,  and  some  of  them 
have  always  been  destitute  of  any  very  regular  preach- 
ing. These  have  received  some  assistance  from  the 
Convention,  and  quarterly  conferences  within  its  own 
bosom. 

This  Association  cherishes  a  respectful  regard  to  all 
the  benevolent  operations  of  the  Christian  world.  The 
catalogue  of  resolutions,  which  had  already  become 
familiar,  if  not  formal,  in  other  Associations,  were 


CHURCH  IN  HODGDON.  367 

adopted  and  sustained  by  this  body.  In  no  one  thing 
is  this  Association  more  particular,  than  in  their  respect 
and  care  for  the  ministry.  They  recommend  to  the 
churches  the  expediency  of  advice,  by  council,  even  in 
granting  licenses  to  their  members;  and  that  they  take 
special  care  not  to  receive  into  their  pulpits  persons  not 
properly  qualified  to  preach  the  gospel. 

This  body  embraces  a  large  field  of  missionary  ground, 
and  the  churches  are  doing  what  they  can  to  cultivate 
it.  Nor  do  they  labor  in  vain,  as  their  annual  increase 
proves.  Twelve  new  churches  were  added  between 
1835  and  1843. 

The  multiplication  of  churches  in  this  Association, 
has  been  in  some  cases  owing  to  the  division  of  large 
ones  in  the  same  town.  This  division  of  churches  is 
considered  by  many  a  fault  peculiar  to  the  Baptists 
generally  in  the  State.  And  undoubtedly  in  some  in- 
stances it  is  a  source  of  evil.  If  it  does  not  alienate 
the  attachments  of  brethren,  it  often  weakens  their 
ability  to  support  a  pastor,  and  tends  to  multiply  churches 
beyond  the  number  of  ministers  to  supply  them  with 
wholesome  preaching.  It  sometimes  occasions  the  re- 
moval of  a  worthy  pastor,  and  sometimes  induces  feeble 
churches  to  encourage  gifts  to  the  ministry  which  are 
wholly  unsuitable  to  the  office. 

HODGDON.  This  town  is  in  the  remote  eastern  part 
of  the  State,  and  on  the  road  leading'  from  Calais  to 
Houlton.  It  is  a  newly  settled  town,  and  by  emigrants 
principally  from  the  neighboring  Provinces.  Some  of 
them  were  Baptists.  A  church  was  organized  in  Janu- 
ary, 1835.  Elder  Elisha  Bedel,  a  missionary  sent  here 
under  the  direction  of  the  Maine  Baptist  Convention, 
was  elected  their  pastor.  But  instead  of  a  blessing,  he 
proved  the  occasion  of  many  painful  trials  to  them.  He 


368  CHURCH  IN  IIODGDON. 

also  secured  his  own  downfall.  After  much  difficulty 
and  patient  suffering,  the  church  convened  a  council 
from  the  churches  in  Calais,  Baring,  and  Crawford,  in 
1839,  and  by  their  advice  he  was  deposed  from  the 
ministry  and  excluded  from  the  church.  The  church 
then  had  rest. 

In  1838,  a  brighter  day  began  to  dawn  upon  this 
church,  though  surrounded  with  clouds  of  darkness  and 
trial.  Some  indications  of  a  Divine  blessing  appeared 
in  connection  with  the  labors  of  Thomas  Murry,  a  li- 
centiate of  Crawford  church.  The  blessing  came  in 
1839.  Mr.  Murry  became  a  member  of  the  church, 
and  a  revival  of  the  work  of  God  increased  the  church 
to  eighty-eight  members,  a  part  of  whom  lived  in  Amity 
and  Orient,  and  were  recognized  as  branches  of  this 
church,  with  Columbus  Dunn,  deacon  of  Amity,  and 
Samuel  G.  Tuck,  deacon  of  Orient.  In  February, 
1838,  Mr.  Murry  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church, 
but  was  removed  to  the  church  in  Heaven,  by  death,  the 
next  July.  [See  Biography  of  Elder  Thomas  Murry.] 
This  was  a  mournful  affliction  to  this  church  in  the 
wilderness,  and  surrounded  by  a  large  territory  of  fif- 
teen towns  and  plantations  entirely  destitute  of  the  min- 
istry of  the  gospel. 

In  this  their  extremity,  their  cry  unto  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  was,  'Send  us  one  to  break  unto  us  the  bread  of 
life.'  Their  prayer  was  heard  and  answered.  Daniel 
Outhouse,  one  of  their  number,  was  now  called  of  God 
to  be  their  leader.  With  their  license  he  preached  to 
their  satisfaction  and  comfort,  till  1841,  when  he  was 
ordained  their  pastor.  In  1840,  the  church  was  en- 
larged by  another  revival;  and  in  1841,  the  branches 
'Amity  and  Orient'  were  united  and  recognized  as  a 
separate  church.  They  were  again  deprived  of  a  pastor 


CHURCH  IN  EASTERN  CALAIS— BARING  369 

in  1842,  by  the  resignation  of  Elder  Outhouse,  but  not 
of  stated  preaching.  Elder  E.  Watson  has  labored 
with  success  in  this  church.  This  church,  though  re- 
mote from  the  high  privileges  of  a  Christian  community, 
has  nevertheless  been  signally  blessed  of  God,  and  is 
prospering,  with  a  present  number  of  seventy  members.* 

EASTERN  CALAIS.  The  villages  and  vicinity  of  Calais 
were  honored  of  God  with  the  distinguished  blessing  of 
a  general  revival  in  1836,  under  the  ministry  of  Elder 
James  Huckins.  To  the  influence  of  this  revival,  this 
church  owes  its  existence.  It  is  located,  as  its  name 
indicates,  in  the  east  part  of  Calais,  and  was  organized 
in  1836;  and  had,  in  1837,  thirty-nine  members,  with 
Eld.  A.  D.  Thompson  for  their  pastor.  Eld.  Thompson 
remained  with  them,  however,  but  a  short  time,  when 
they  were  left  destitute;  since  which  they  have  had 
many  trials,  but  little  prosperity,  and  remain  a  feeble 
church,  with  their  numbers  reduced  to  twenty-seven. f 

BARING.  Baring  is  a  flourishing  village,  westerly 
from  Calais,  at  the  distance  of  five  miles  from  'Salt- 
water.' The  river  St.  Croix  divides  it  from  St.  Stephen, 
N.  B.  The  first  Baptists  in  Baring  were  emigrants  from 
distant  churches.  Mr.  James  Sargent  moved  from  N  orth 
Yarmouth  to  Baring,  in  1828.  Soon  after  his  arrival, 
he  opened  an  evening  prayer  meeting,  to  be  held  weekly 
on  the  St.  Stephens  side  of  the  river.  Here,  aided  by 
one  other  male  disciple,  who  has  since'fallen  asleep  in 
Christ,  he  maintained  the  worship  of  God,  'amid  much 
popular  opposition.'  But  God,  who  always  hears  when 
his  people  pray,  designed  that  these  disciples  should  not 
long  toil  alone.  In  1835,  deacons  N.  D.  Shaw  and  O. 
Allen,  with  several  other  Baptists,  became  residents  in 
Baring.  Meetings  were  now  held  more  frequently,  and 

*H.  P.  Towne's  Com.  and  Min  W.  A.    fMin.  W.  A. 


370  CHURCH  IN  BEDD1NGTON— JONESBORO'. 

the  Baptists  began  to  secure  an  important  influence  in 
the  village. 

Soon  converts  began  to  multiply,  and  to  unite  with 
the  church  in  Calais.  In  May,  1838,  their  number  had 
increased  to  thirty-seven.  They  were  then  induced  to 
leave  their  brethren  in  Calais,  and  organize  in  Baring. 
The  same  day  that  they  embodied,  eight  were  added  to 
the  church  by  baptism. 

Their  first  pastor,  Elder  O.  B.  Walker,  was  ordained 
among  them  in  1839,  but  left  them  at  the  close  of  one 
year.  He  was  immediately  succeeded  by  Elder  W.  N. 
Slason,  who  devoted  to  them  only  one  half  of  his  minis- 
try. By  the  blessing  of  God  they  completed,  in  1843, 
a  neat  and  commodious  house  of  worship-  Their  num- 
ber then  was  fifty-three.* 

BEDDINGTON.  A  small  church  was  gathered  here  in 
1838,  consisting  of  thirteen  members;  but  it  has  become 
extinct,  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  its  members. "f 

JONESBOROUGH.  Until  the  winter  of  1840,  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  town  had  enjoyed  but  few  gospel  privileges, 
and  no  stated  ministry  by  any  denomination,  though  for 
many  years  the  Lord  had  occasionally  sent  to  them  his 
servants,  and  a  few  had  become  professedly  pious.  The 
first  part  of  this  year  was  distinguished  for  general  re- 
vivals in  the  country,  and  this  town  shared  largely  in 
the  blessing. 

A  few  persecuted  Baptists  resided  here,  and  among 
them  the  work  of  grace  was  powerful  and  glorious. 
This  work  was  eminently  promoted  by  the  eflbrts  of  E. 
Nugent,  then  a  private  brother  of  the  church  in  Calais. 
In  May,  1840,  the  church  was  organized,  with  twenty- 
five  members;  twenty -three  of  them  were  baptized  on 
the  day  of  the  organization.  Mr.  Nugent  was  licensed 
Eld.  W.  N.  Slason's  Com.  and  Miu.  W.  A.  fMin.  W.  A. 


TOPSFIELD— AMITY  AND  ORIENT— CALAIS  VIL.    3?J 

by  this  church,  and  preached  to  them  with  success  two 
or  three  years.  In  1843,  they  had  sixty-eight  members, 
but  were  without  a  house  of  worship  and  needed  as- 
sistance.* 

TOPSFIELD.  Topsfield  is  a  new  town,  thirty-eight 
miles  from  Calais,  upon  the  Houlton  road.  A  few 
members  of  the  church  in  Calais  obtained  a  residence 
here,  which  opened  the  way  for  Baptist  efforts.  In  this 
new  field  of  gospel  labor,  the  Baptist  Quarterly  Con- 
ference, in  the  eastern  part  of  Washington  Association, 
became  much  interested,  and  in  the  fall  of  1839  sent 
into  it  Elder  E.  Powell,  of  Cooper,  as  a  missionary. 
The  Lord  went  with  him  and  converted  sinners  by  his 
instrumentality,  and  in  1840,  a  church  of  eleven  mem- 
bers was  recognized  in  Topsfield.  This  was  indeed  a 
light  shining  in  a  dark  place,  and  its  influence  has  been 
felt  by  the  surrounding  community.  In  1841,  Elder 
Powell  became  its  pastor,  and  continues  to  be  useful 
to  the  church,  which  now  has  eighteen  members. 

AMITY  AND  ORIENT.  In  1835,  Edmund  Watson,  a 
licentiate,  from  Lincoln,  Penobscot  county,  came  into 
this  vicinity  and  was  instrumental  of  much  good  to  souls, 
and  of  promoting  the  prosperity  of  these  branches  of 
Hodgdon  church.  In  1839,  these  branches,  'Amity  and 
Orient,'  composing  eighteen  members,  were  constituted 
into  a  church,  and  in  April,  Mr.  Watson  was  ordained 
its  pastor.  He  retained  the  pastorate  for  one  year  only, 
but  continued  to  preach  a  part  of  the  time  much  longer. 
This  church  also  has  been  assisted  by  the  missionary 
labors  of  Elder  E.  Powell,  and  yet  they  are  a  feeble 
church,  of  but  twenty-one  members.']" 

CALAIS  VILLAGE.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  vil- 
lage at  'Salt-water.'  Here  a  minority  of  the  Baptist 

*Eld.  E.  Nugenl's  Com.  and  Min.  W.  A.     |Dea.  C.  Dunn's  Com. 


372     SECOND  LUBEC— HOULTON— 2D  HARRINGTON. 

church  in  Calais  lived,  and  in  1841,  they  became  a 
separate  church.  Elder  E.  D.  Very  became  their  pas- 
tor. He  resigned  in  1843.  They  were  that  year  build- 
ing a  neat  house  of  worship.  They  have  increased 
from  fifty-eight  to  sixty-two. 

SECOND  LUBEC.  This  second  church  in  Lubec  was 
organized  in  1842,  of  members  living  in  what  is  called 
the  South  Bay  neighborhood,  and  who  had  constituted  a 
branch  of  the  first  church.  A  meeting-house  was  com- 
menced in  this  part  of  the  church  in  1838,  but  remains 
unfinished.  They  organized  with  forty-two  members, 
and  have  increased,  by  letter,  to  forty-eight.  And 
while  animosity  and  fightings  characterize  the  move- 
ments of  the  first  church,  this  small  body  press  forward 
in  harmony,  and  prosper. 

HOULTON.  This  town  occupies  an  interesting  position, 
as  it  holds  an  important  relation  to  the  whole  Aroostook 
country.  No  particular  efforts  were  made  in  this  place 
by  the  Baptists,  till  1842.  In  the  summer  of  that  year, 
Elder  Henry  Kendall,  in  the  employ  of  the  Maine  Mis- 
sionary Society,  made  a  successful  effort  in  this  town 
and  its  vicinity.  His  ministry,  and  the  idea  of  embodying 
a  Baptist  church  in  the  village  and  town,  were  favorably 
received.  By  him,  a  church  of  fifteen  members  was 
gathered,  under  cheering  prospects.  Since  their  organ- 
ization they  have  been  favored  with  a  privilege  in  the 
Unitarian  meeting-house,  some  preaching  by  mission- 
aries and  others,  and  are  striving  to  honor  God  by  ad- 
vancing his  cause  and  kingdom. 

SECOND  HARRINGTON.  In  the  winter  of  1843,  a  re- 
vival of  religion  extended  its  saving  influence  throughout 
the  town  of  Harrington.  In  the  southern  extremity  of 
the  town,  'Burnt  Point,'  (so  called)  a  few  Baptists,  be- 
longing to  the  churches  Cherryfield  and  First  Harring- 


CHURCH  IN  EAST  HARRINGTON— HODGDON.   373 

ton,  resided.  Here  the  work  of  grace  was  most  inter- 
esting, souls  were  converted,  and  in  May  a  church 
of  sixteen  members,  ten  of  whom  were  baptized  on 
the  occasion,  was  embodied.  This  infant  church  has 
increased  to  twenty-five  members,  and  is  exerting  a 
pleasing  influence  in  a  growing  community.  E.  Nugent, 
whose  labors  were  blessed  in  the  revival,  is  pastor  of 
the  first  and  second  churches. 

EAST  HARRINGTON.  Over  the  neighborhood  about 
the  'Great  Marsh  Stream,'  in  the  east  part  of  Harring- 
ton, the  first  church  in  Addison  shed  its  benign  influence 
for  many  years,  and  a  large  minority  of  that  church 
belonged  in  this  vicinity.  It  was,  however,  somewhat 
inconvenient  for  most  of  them  to  assemble  regularly 
with  their  brethren  in  Addison.  By  means  of  the  revival 
in  1842  and  1843,  their  number  was  much  increased; 
and  for  their  better  accommodation  a  church  was  or- 
ganized, in  1843,  consisting  of  sixty-six  members,  with 
encouraging  prospects.  The  separation  of  this  minority 
from  the  church  in  Addison,  did  not  so  lessen  their  ability 
as  to  deprive  them  of  a  stated  ministry,  and  this  church 
is  able  to  sustain  preaching  once  in  two  weeks. 

HODGDON,  AND  RICHMOND,  N.  B.  This  church,  as 
its  name  indicates,  is  partly  in  Maine  and  partly  in  New 
Brunswick.  It  was  organized  in  1843,  with  twelve 
members,  and  Elder  T.  Batchelder  settled  as  pastor. 
Four  have  since  been  added,  making  their  present 
number  sixteen. 
17 


374 


WASHINGTON  ASSOCIATION. 


WASHINGTON  ASSOCIATION.  ...TABULAR  VIEW. 


|j 

2 

CO 

m 

6 

P 
x 

- 

r 

- 

3 

-: 

T) 

ORGANIZED  1835. 

a 

K. 

•o 

5 

L 

3 

— 
a 

E 

^ 

c 
— 

r 

= 

a- 
o 

i 

s 

2 

I' 

p 

»' 

i 

-z 

^ 
a 

a 

s 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

0 

a. 

£ 

1 

B 

£ 

p" 

p 

Columbia, 

17K8 

* 

227 

2.1 

HI 

131  >40 

.51 

111 

250 

47 

Cherryfield, 

1796 

11 

202 

2!i 

5 

52139 

33 

27 

242 

98 

Steuben,  (reorg'zd  1805) 

1796 

* 

8-7 

5 

6 

24 

1!. 

B3 

4 

98 

28 

Easlport,  (reorg'zd  1810) 
Machias  Port  (Machias) 

1801 
1810 

57 
11 

317 
231 

74 
89 

9 
7 

68 
53 

15 

If 
13 

96 

.J2 

448 
271 

218 
160 

2d  Addison, 

1818 

25 

140 

19 

9 

24 

47 

25 

6 

184 

103 

Cutler,  (reorg'zd  1817) 

1808 

21 

62 

7 

8 

12 

33 

11 

2 

93 

40 

Crawford, 

1825 

1!( 

85 

9 

46 

14 

15 

2 

113 

36 

1st  Addison, 

1826 

57 

220 

21 

6 

83 

27 

'20 

3 

303 

182 

Lubec, 

1820 

9283 

52 

12 

65 

55 

17 

ir; 

324 

191 

Cooper, 

1828 

29    26 

9 

5 

6 

lit 

9 

4 

64 

31 

Pembroke  (reorg.  1822) 

1800 

111106 

22 

] 

47 

'21 

6 

7 

139 

59 

Charlotte, 

1829 

30 

49 

7 

5 

6 

16 

4 

3 

86 

62 

Calais, 

1832 

11 

221 

19 

1 

196 

.;:; 

12 

1 

331 

85 

1st  Harrington, 
East  Machias, 

1833 
1834 

26 

'21 

41 
71 

9 

52 

8 
19 

8 
5 

4 

7 

4 

76 
127 

56 

92 

Hodgdon, 

18351301107 

2.5 

8 

53 

2:; 

7 

5 

160 

70 

Calais  E.  Ch. 

1837 

:;:» 

11 

3 

8 

1 

I 

40 

27 

Barring, 

1838 

37 

28 

7 

2 

7 

5 

6 

72 

52 

Jonesborough, 

1840 

•2.-) 

40 

11 

2 

4 

'2 

76 

68 

Topsfield, 

1840 

Jl 

5 

'2 

18 

18 

Amity  and  Orient, 

1841 

18 

5 

I 

,: 

3 

7 

1 

24 

21 

Calais  Vil.  Ch. 

1841 

58 

5 

(i 

1 

1 

64 

62 

2d  Lubee, 

1842 

12 

fi 

48 

48 

Houlton, 

1842 

15 

15 

15 

2d  Harrington, 

1843 

II) 

15 

:> 

34 

34 

Harrington  E.  Ch. 

1843 

66 

66 

66 

Hodgdon,  &c. 

1843 

12 

2 

2 

16 

16 

*  Unknown. 

a 

1 

i 

'— 

1 

— 

- 

\ 

a 

I 

1 

CHAPTER  XXL 

PENOBSCOT    ASSOCIATION. 

Original  Churches — Harmony,  p.  212;  Sangerville,  215;   Guilford,  227; 

Parkman,  231 ;  Athens,  233 ;  Ripley,  now  Cambridge,  237;  Corinna,  238  j 

Carmel,  277;  Hampden,  291;  Dixmont.  293;  Charleston,  299  ;  Dover, 

315;  Corinth,  316. 
Added  at  their  first  session  from  Bowdoinham  Association — Frankfort,  286  ; 

North  Hill,  232 ;  Bangor,  311;  Munroe,  307;  Palmyra,  219;  Newport, 

240; 

Added  between  1826  and  1843 — Dexter;  Enfield;  Bradford;  Monson  ; 
Levant ;  Kirkland  and  No.  8,  temporary  churches ;  Second  Hampden  ; 
Greenfield  ;  First  St.  Albans  ;  Abbot;  Lincoln  ;  Lee  ;  Blanchard,  a  tempo- 
rary church  ;  Plymouth  ;  Foxcroft,  a  temporary  church ;  Garland  ;  Pitts- 
field  3  Athens  Village  ;  Exeter  ;  Old  Town  ;  Sebec  ;  Bangor  and  Glen- 
burn  ;  Newburg ;  Passadunkeaa  ;  Palmyra  ;  Springfield  :  Eddington  : 
Argyle  :  Newport  Village  :  North  Bangor  :  Patten. 

A  CONVENTION  of  thirteen  churches,  from  the  Lincoln 
and  Bowdoinham  Associations  met  at  Parkman,  in  January, 
1826,  and  organized  the  Penobscot  Association.  At  their 
first  anniversary,  September  following,  six  other  churches 
from  the  same  bodies,  and  two  new  churches,  united  with 
them.  By  these  twenty-one  churches,  sixteen  ordained  min- 
isters were  then  reported,  and  seven  hundred  and  ninety- 
five  communicants.  Thus  commenced  this  interesting  body 
of  Baptists,  spread  over  a  large  and  newly  settled  territory, 
but  rapidly  increasing  in  population.* 

At  its  commencement,  this  body  voted  co-operation  with 
the  missionary  and  benevolent  societies  connected  in  the 
denomination  in  the  State,  and  the  usual  days  of  Fasting  and 
Prayer,  as  the  first  day  of  January,  and  the  fourth  of  July, 
were  recommended  to  the  churches  for  their  observance. 

Spirited  resolutions  have  been  almost  annually  passed 
upon  the  various  topics  noticed  by  similar  bodies,  and  in 
temperance,  religious  and  ministerial  education,  and  mis- 
sionary operations,  especially  in  domestic  missions,  this 
body  have  ever  evinced  a  lively  and  benevolent  interest. 

*'BIin.  L.  and  B.  Asso. 


376  CHURCH  IN  DEXTER. 

These  churches  have  not  only  resolved,  but  have  labored 
to  meet  the  responsibilities  of  their  resolutions. 

No  Association,  upon  a  comparison  of  means  and  privi- 
leges, has  done  more  to  promote  the  extension  of  the  cause 
than  this  body,  nor  has  any  obtained  a  more  rapid  increase. 
Its  territory  is  large,  and  many  of  its  churches  have  been 
small  and.  feeble,  being  scattered  in  thinly  populated  com- 
munities, and  not  favored  with  much  of  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel.  In  1838,  it  numbered  forty  churches,  twenty- 
four  ordained  ministers,  two  licentiates,  and  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  ninety-six  communicants ;  making  a  net 
increase,  in  twelve  years,  of  twenty  churches,  eight  or- 
dained ministers,  and  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  one 
communicants.  It  was  this  year  divided,  and  the  Piscata- 
quis  Association  formed ;  and  yet  it  remains  an  efficient 
and  influential  body  of  Baptists. 

It  has  been  highly  favored  with  revival  mercies, — the 
years  1828,  '29,  '31,  '34,  '37,  '38,  and  '43.  Its  table  now 
shows  twenty-eight  churches,  twenty-two  ordained  minis- 
ters, and  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  thirty-eight  com- 
municants. 

DEXTER.  Baptists  increased  in  Dexter,  partly  by  emi- 
gration and  partly  by  means  of  the  preaching  of  Elder 
Z.  Hall,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Parkman.  For 
some  years  they  were  a  branch  of  that  church,  and  received 
a  portion  of  Elder  Hall's  ministry.  December  28,  1625, 
they  were  embodied  into  an  independent  church,  consisting 
of  thirty  members.  From  April,  1826,  to  1832,  Elder 
Jacob  Hatch  was  their  pastor.  But  from  his  missionary 
zeal,  he  was  absent  from  them  one  half  of  the  time  from 
1830,  which  was  supplied  to  the  church  by  the  employment 
of  Elder  W.  Marshal.  During  this  period  the  church  was 
enlarged  by  twenty-seven  baptisms. 

July  15,  1832,  Eld.  E.  Hunting  became  pastor,  and  sus- 


CHURCH  IN  COLD  STREAM          377 

tained  the  office  about  two  years,  and  preached  occasion- 
ally, much  longer.  This  church  has  also  been  aided  by 
the  occasional  ministry  of  Elders  T.  Macomber  and  E. 
Freeman.  From  1835  to  1836,  Elder  C.  T.  Norcross 
preached  with  them  about  one  half  of  the  time,  and  the 
next  year  Eld.  D.  Bartlett  was  pastor,  and  preached  statedly. 
His  labors  were  blessed  to  an  increase  of  the  church,  by 
some  revival.  The  next  three  years,  from  1837  to  1840, 
Eld.  S.  Lothrop  was  pastor.  The  church  prospered  under 
his  ministry  and  aided  the  formation  of  the  East  St.  Albans 
church,  in  1840.  In  1841,  the  church  had  some  trials, 
but  was  blessed  with  the  stated  ministry  by  Eld.  I.  S.  Smith, 
and  some  additions.  In  1842,  they  were  destitute,  and 
wandered  much  from  the  Lord.  In  1843,  they  were  again 
encouraged  and  assisted,  by  the  ministry  of  Elder  J.  M. 
Mace,  and  again  enlarged  by  additions.  In  1839,  they 
built  for  their  accommodation  a  house  of  worship,  in  a 
pleasant  part  of  the  village.  Their  present  number  is 
sixty-six,  and  how  important  their  influence  in  that  village, 
where  the  false  doctrines  of  Universalism  have  so  strong  a 
hold.  The  churches  Garland  and  Exeter  took  their  rise 
from  this  body.* 

COLD  STREAM,  (now  ENFIELD.)  This  town  is  about 
forty  miles  northerly  from  Bangor,  on  the  east  side  of  Pe- 
nobscot  river.  A  settlement  commenced  here  about  1820. 
A  few  of  the  first  settlers  were  Baptists.  In  1826,  they 
commenced  holding  social  religious  meetings.  These 
humble  efforts  were  blessed.  A  seriousness  first  appeared 
upon  the  minds  of  the  youth,  and  soon  the  number  of  pray- 
ing souls  was  increased  by  the  converting  influence  of  the 
Spirit. 

Elders  J.  Roundy  and  N.  Robinson  were  travelling,  this 
summer,  and  preaching  Christ  to  those  new  settlements. 

*C.  Copeland's  Com.  and  Min.  Asso. 


378  CHURCH  IN  BRADFORD. 

On  the  llth  of  July,  both  these  servants  of  God  were  at 
Cold  Stream.  They  baptized  six  persons,  who,  together 
with  several  others,  were  embodied  into  a  church.  Left 
almost  destitute  of  preaching,  this  infant  church  had  some 
trials,  in  the  midst  of  mercies,  in  1827.  In  1830,  Elders 
Dexter  and  J.  Hatch,  missionaries  of  the  Maine  Conven- 
tion, visited  the  church,  and  by  the  precious  outpourings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  souls  were  converted  and  twenty  added 
to  the  church  by  baptism.  This  gave  them  strength  to  go 
many  days  rejoicing,  and  they  subscribed  to  pay  $50,  in 
the  fruits  of  their  lands,  to  aid  domestic  missions  that  year. 
From  1831  to  1837,  difficulty  and  trial  beset  their  journey- 
ings.  In  1835,  Amos  P.  Messer,  one  of  its  worthy  deacons, 
was  ordained  as  an  evangelist,  and  in  1837,  became  its 
pastor,  devoting  one  half  of  his  useful  ministry  for  their 
benefit,  and  the  other  portion  of  it  to  the  benefit  of  other 
feeble  branches  of  Zion,  till  1842,  when  Alvan  Messer 
received  license,  and  preached  to  them  the  same  amount 
of  time,  and  was  instrumental  in  the  enlargement  of  the 
church.  In  1843,  they  received  the  ministry  of  these 
brethren  alternately,  each  one  fourth  of  the  time.  Their 
number  is  seventy-six.* 

BRADFORD,  formerly  BLAKESBURGH.  The  church  in 
Bradford  was  organized  August,  1827,  and  was  composed 
of  eight  members  only,  five  of  whom  were  by  letter  from 
the  church  in  Atkinson.  Although  feeble,  without  a  pas- 
tor, and  scattered  in  a  sparsely  settled  community,  yet  the 
pious  zeal  of  these  brethren  prompted  them  to  sustain 
meetings  for  prayer  and  conference,  and  the  occasional 
preaching  of  the  word  among  them.  These  efforts  were 
blessed  of  God.  The  reviving  and  converting  influences 
of  Divine  grace  were  given,  and  thirty-four  were  added  by 
baptism  and  four  by  letter,  in  1827.  Nothing  special  oc- 
*Miu.  P.  Asso.  and  letters  to  the  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  MONSON— LEVANT.  379 

curred  again,  affecting  the  progress  of  the  church,  till 
1834,  when  their  number  was  increased  by  another  spiritual 
refreshing ;  and  in  1836,  by  another.  This  church  has 
been  blessed  with  several  useful  members,  so  that,  though 
it  has  never  had  the  advantages  of  a  pastor,  nor  house  of 
worship,  it  has  increased,  lived  harmoniously,  and  main- 
tained respectability. 

From  its  commencement  it  has  been  supplied  occasion- 
ally with  gospel  preaching,  mostly  by  Elder  J.  F.  Page. 
And  from  its  members,  God  has  called  into  the  ministry, 
Elders  E.  Coy,  C.  L.  Gary,  and  Daniel  Small,  who  are 
successful  in  aiding  the  cause  of  Christ.  Their  present 
number  is  forty-three.* 

MONSON.  This  church  owes  its  existence  to  emigration. 
In  1827,  thirteen  Baptists,  resident  in  town,  were  embodied 
into  a  church.  They  have  prospered,  though  without  a 
pastor  or  a  meeting-house.  Eld.  J.  F.  Page  has  preached 
with  them  some,  every  year  since  their  organization.  They 
have  also  been  aided  by  Elders  Z.  Hall,  T.  Macomber,  E. 
Going,  and  L.  Kingman.  Elder  Kingman  labored  with 
them  one  fourth  of  the  time,  in  1843,  and  they  enjoyed  a 
pleasing  revival.  Their  present  number  is  seventy-five. 
Here  also  is  a  Congregational  church,  in  a  flourishing 
condition.* 

LEVANT.  This  town  is  twelve  miles  north  from  Bangor, 
with  a  growing  village  in  its  north-east  corner.  This  vil- 
lage is  the  centre  of  business,  and  the  usual  place  for  re- 
ligious meetings.  There  is  in  town  two  meeting-houses 
and  three  religious  societies — Baptist,  Congregationalist, 
and  Universalist.  The  Baptist  church  was  organized  with 
eight  members,  in  1828.  Previous  to  its  organization,  a 
few  Baptists  resided  in  town.  R.  C.  Spaulding,  a  member 
of  the  Theological  Institute,  at  Waterville,  while  teaching 

*J.  F.  Page's  Com.  letters  of  the  church  and  Min.  P.  Asso. 


380  CHURCH  IN  K1RKLAND. 

school  in  town,  in  1826,  was  employed  to  preach  on  the 
Sabbath.  This  opened  the  way  for  his  settlement  as  the 
•town's  minister,  which  took  place  in  May,  when  he  was 
ordained  to  the  work.  This  church,  though  scattered  over 
a  wide  extent  of  territory,  promiscuously  among  other 
sects,  not  too  favorable  to  its  welfare,  has  prospered  under 
the  faithful  and  prudent  labors  of  its  two  able  pastors,  R. 
C.  Spaulding  and  T.  B.  Robinson.  Eld.  Spaulding  labored 
to  make  it  a  reading,  spiritual,  benevolent,  and  working 
church.  And  he  succeeded  most  admirably.  He  estab- 
lished a  Sabbath  school,  in  1832;  and  the  same  year  a 
revival  was  enjoyed,  in  which  a  number  of  the  school  were 
converted.  He  resigned  his  charge  and  moved  to  Corinth, 
in  1834.  The  same  year,  their  house  of  worship  was 
erected,  one  half  of  which,  however,  is  owned  by  theCon- 
gregationalists. 

In  1835,  Eld.  Robinson  entered  upon  his  pastoral  charge, 
and  labored  successfully  in  the  office  till  1839,  when  an 
invitation  from  Hampden,  and  the  limited  ability  of  the 
church  in  Levant,  induced  him  to  resign  his  charge  of  the 
latter  and  become  pastor  of  the  former.  But  his  stay  at 
Hampden  was  short.  In  one  year  he  returned  to  Levant, 
again  became  the  pastor  of  the  church,  but  for  want  df  a 
competent  support  was  obliged  to  seek  employment  in  some 
other  part  of  the  gospel  field,  in  1842.  His  residence, 
however,  is  still  in  town,  and  when  not  engaged  in  mis- 
sionary labors,  he  aids  the  progress  of  the  church.  In 
1836  and  '38,  the  church  was  much  enlarged  by  interesting 
revivals.  Two  of  its  members  are  in  their  preparatory 
studies  to  the  ministry.  Present  number  is  fifty-three.* 

KIRKLAND.  This  is  a  new  town,  twenty  miles  north 
from  Bangor.  A  church  of  twelve  members  was  gathered 
here  in  1829.  At  first  its  prospects  seemed  encouraging ; 

*N.  Fisk,  Ch.  Clk.  Com.  and  Min.  P.  Asso.  and  loiters  of  the  ch. 


NO.  8— SECOND  HAMPDEN— GREENFIELD.  381 

but  being  almost  destitute  of  preaching,  and  possessing  but 
few  gifts,  and  surrounded  by  various  influences  unfavorable 
to  its  perseverance,  after  struggling  several  years  amid 
trials  and  discouragement,  they  were  scattered,  and  in 
1838,  their  visibility  was  lost.* 

No.  8.  A  church  of  eight  members  was  gathered  in 
this  newly  settled  plantation,  in  1829.  At  first  it  prospered 
under  the  ministry  of  Jesse  Norcross,  a  licentiate  of  the 
church  in  Charleston.  In  1832,  Elder  Nathan  Thomas 
became  its  pastor ;  but  he  labored  almost  in  vain,  for  this 
light  has  ceased  to  shine — the  church  is  fallen.* 

SECOND  HAMPDEN.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  west 
part  of  Hampden,  and  was  organized  in  1828,  of  thirteen 
members.  Eld.  O.  Briggs  became  its  pastor.  He  resigned 
in  1831.  In  1833,  they  built  a  house  for  worship,  and 
employed  Eld.  H.  Hawes  one  half  of  the  time.  In  1834, 
a  glorious  year  of  spiritual  release  was  experienced,  and 
the  church  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  forty-four  by 
baptism.  In  1835,  they  were  again  without  a  pastor,  but 
were  supplied  with  preaching  semi-monthly,  and  mostly  by 
Eld.  Briggs.  In  1838,  they  had  some  preaching  by  Elder 
McMaster  ;  in  1841  and  '43,  by  Eld.  T.  L,,  PiJsbury.  But 
for  a  period  of  eight  years  the  church  has  been  declining 
and  diminishing,  wasting  its  vitality  and  usefulness  by  in- 
ternal divisions,  It  is  reduced  to  a  feeble  church  of  thirty- 
six  members,  Surely  the  fine  gold  has  changed,  the  strong 
has  become  weak.t 

GREENFIELD  AND  No.  1,  formerly  'OLAMMON.'  The 
first  Baptists  in  this  new  and  rising  settlement,  were  emi- 
grants from  churches  at  a  distance.  In  1829,  Elders  S. 
Dexter  and  J.  Hatch,  missionaries  sent  into  the  rapidly 
increasing  settlements  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State, 
visited  this  place,  and  finding  materials  already  prepared, 

*Min.  P.  A.  and  letters  to  the  Asso.     fTtys  1st  ch.  p.  262  and  Min.  P.  A. 

17* 


382  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  ST.  ALBANS— ABBOT. 

organized  a  church  of  seventeen  members.  In  1830,  a 
precious  revival  was  enjoyed,  and  nineteen  added  by  bap- 
tism. Reuben  Tolman  was  ordained  pastor.  Eld.  Case, 
by  direction  of  the  Convention,  visited  them  that  year  and 
cheered  them  with  his  presence  and  preaching.  Elder 
Tolman  was  pastor  but  one  year.  Eld.  Daniel  Macomber 
served  them  in  the  gospel  in  1835,  and  the  church  was 
enlarged.  Since  that  period  they  have  seen  days  of  afflic- 
tion. But  like  Sardis,  it  had  'a  few  names  who  had  not 
defiled  their  garments.'  In  1843,  God  appeared  for  their 
help,  and  sent  Eld.  McGregor  to  them,  whom  he  has  blessed 
to  their  benefit.  Their  prospect  is  brightening.  Their 
number  is  forty.* 

FIRST  ST.  ALBANS.  A  small  church,  of  about  fifteen 
members,  was  gathered  here  in  1829.  The  next  year  it 
was  enlarged  to  the  number  of  thirty,  and  Eld.  Benjamin 
Bisbee  became  its  bishop.  In  1832,  it  began  to  be  harassed 
by  trials  within  its  own  bosom,  which  reduced  it  the  next 
year  to  sixteen  members.  In  1834,  Elder  William  Oaks 
preached  for  them,  and  the  church  was  increased.  From 
that  time  to  the  present,  this  church  has  had  but  occasional 
preaching,  by  D.  Given,  a  licentiate,  and  some  others,  and 
has  done  comparatively  nothing  for  the  general  welfare  of 
Christ's  kingdom.  It  has  twenty-two  members.t 

ABBOT.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1827.  Several 
Baptists  resided  in  different  parts  of  the  settlement,  but 
they  had  only  a  partial  acquaintance  with  each  other.  In 
1829,  nine  individuals  were  constituted  into  a  church. 
God  owned  their  works,  and  poured  out  his  Spirit,  which 
made  the  wilderness  resound  with  the  praises  of  the  young 
converts,  and  this  'little  one'  was  soon  rejoiced  by  an  ad- 
dition of  twenty.  In  1831,  Joseph  Hall  was  qualified  by 
license  to  preach.  For  two  or  three  years  he  was  successful. 

*Let.  to  the  Asso.  and  Mm.  of  P.  Asso.    fMin.  P.  and  Pis.  Asso. 


CHURCH   IN  LINCOLN— LEE.  333 

But  difficulties  arose  among  them,  which  reduced  them,  in 
1835,  nearly  to  extinction.  But  their  life  was  again  re- 
newed, in  1836,  by  the  ministry  of  Eld.  Thomas  Macomber, 
and  in  1837,  by  Eld.  William  Oaks.  They  have  since  had 
occasional  preaching  by  brethren  A.  Clark,  Z.  Hall,  J.  F. 
Page,  S.  Tubbs,  and  J.  Hatch.  Their  location  is  unfa- 
vorable, being  scattered  over  a  wide  territory.  Thirty- 
three  in  number.* 

LINCOLN.  Lincoln  is  a  large  town  on  the  east  side  of 
Penobscot  river,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Matanawcook  stream, 
where  is  a  flourishing  village.  A  [Baptist  church  was 
gathered  here,  consisting  of  six  members  from  the  church 
in  Paris,  by  the  advice  of  Elders  Dexter  and  Hatch,  mission, 
aries  of  the  Convention,  in  1830.  Soon  after  its  embody- 
ment,  Eld.  I.  Case,  another  missionary  of  the  same  body, 
visited  the  place  and  added  four  by  baptism.  'Of  these/ 
says  father  Case,  'one  was  a  woman  educated  a  Pedo- 
baptist,  but  on  becoming  pious,  searched  the  Bible  for 
truth  and  direction,  and  renounced  her  infant  baptism  ;' 
'a  second  was  educated  a  Quaker,  but  was  converted  and 
embraced  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Christ.'  This  church  has 
been  highly  favored  with  pleasing  gifts  for  exhortation, 
prayer  and  discipline,  and  two  of  its  members,  Stephen 
Chase  and  Edmund  Watson,  have  become  ministers  of  the 
gospel.  In  1834  and  '35,  this  church  had  a  stated  minis- 
try, but  no  special  prosperity  ;  and  since  that  time  to  the 
present,  although  it  has  had  much  preaching  from  year  to 
year,  and  though  other  religious  societies  have  flourished 
around  them,  they  remain  a  small  and  inefficient  brdy  of 
Christians.  They  need  help.  Their  present  number  is 
twenty-seven. t 

LEE,  (first  called  No.  4.)     A  settlement  was  commenced 

*IMin.  P.  and  Pis.  Asso.  and  letters  to  the  Asso.     fMin.  P.  A.  ancj  Min,  of 
Con.  and  letters  to  the  Asso.  Rev.  S.  Fogg's  Com. 


384  CHURCH  IN  BLANCHARD— PLYMOUTH. 

here  in  1827,  and  the  town  possessing  a  rich  and  fertile 
soil,  the  increase  of  population  was  rapid.  In  a  period  of 
ten  years  from  the  first  opening,  it  had  five  hundred  and 
thirty-six  inhabitants.  In  1830,  there  were  thirty  families, 
among  whom  were  a  few  Baptists,  who  as  soon  as  practica- 
ble began  to  hold  meetings  for  social  and  religious  wor- 
ship. By  these  means,  these  strangers  in  the  wilderness 
became  acquainted  with  each  other,  and  the  same  year, 
(1830)  a  church  of  ten  members  was  organized  by  the 
two  missionaries,  Dexter  and  Hatch.  They  were  visited 
and  encouraged  by  Eld.  Case  in  a  few  weeks  after  they 
were  embodied,  and  several  persons,  two  of  whom  had 
been  previous  to  their  conversion,  '  defenders  of  Univer- 
salism,"  were  by  him  added  to  the  church.  This  church 
has  not  been  blessed  with  a  pastor,  but  has  frequent  preach- 
ing by  missionaries,  and  some  stated  preaching  by  Elders 
A.  P.  Messer,  and  W.  Marshall.  Elder  A.  Messer  and 
J.  Jackson  have  preached  with  the  church  occasionally. 
They  have,  however,  but  few  gospel  privileges,  and  are  a 
small,  tried  and  inefficient  church  of  twenty-nine  members. 
They  need  and  desire  the  aid  of  a  faithful  missionary.* 

BLANCHARD.  In  this  new  and  lonely  settlement  under 
the  northern  brow  of  Russell  Mountain,  and  on  the  north 
branch  of  Piscataquis  river,  a  few  Baptists  found  it  con- 
venient to  reside,  and  by  occasional  preaching  a  small 
church  of  about  thirty  members  was  embodied  in  1828. 
By  the  labors  of  brethren  Hall,  Hatch,  Oaks  and  Marshall, 
some  were  added  in  1831.  But  its  light  soon  waned,  and 
in  1837,  with  twenty-nine  members,  its  name  was  lost. 
'  Their  fall  was  owing  partly  to  a  want  of  gospel  means, 
but  mostly  to  neglect.'t 

PLYMOUTH.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1826,  and 
previous  to  1830  the  people  enjoyed,  if  they  desired  them, 

*.Min   P.  A.  of  Con.  and  letters  to  the  A.  fMin.  P.  A.  and  letters  to  the  A. 


CHURCH  IN  FOXCROFT.  385 

but  few  religious  privileges,  and  even  since  as  a  town  they 
have  had  but  a  small  amount  of  evangelical  preaching.  A 
church  of  eight  members  was  organized  in  1830.  These 
Baptists  had  been  members  of  Etna  and  other  churches. 
Eld.  E.  Carter  began  to  preach  semi-monthly  for  them  in 
1832,  and  has  since  labored  much  for  their  advancement. 

In  1836,  twelve  of  the  members  were  dismissed  and 
embodied  into  a  new  church,  and  in  that  capacity,  and  in 
company,  '  emigrated  to  the  Great  Western  Valley.'  This 
rendered  the  church  very  feeble,  but  Elder  Carter  continued 
his  efforts  for  their  welfare.  The  church  was  perplexed 
and  weakened  by  internal  difficulties  from  1839  to  1842. 
In  '42  they  were  blessed  with  the  ministry  of  Elder  T.  L. 
Pilsbury.  Their  prospects  are  not  the  most  encouraging. 
Present  number  thirty-five.* 

FOXCROFT.  This  town  on  the  north  side  of  Piscataquis 
river,  has  a  rich  soil,  was  first  settled  in  1805,  and  '  named 
in  compliment  to  the  Hon.  Jos.  E.  Foxcroft.'t  It  has  a 
fine  village,  in  which  is  located  a  promising  Academy. 
Here  were  some  Congregationalists.  As  the  population 
increased,  some  Baptists  became  residents  here,  and  by 
means  of  occasional  preaching  some  were  converted  and 
embraced  their  sentiments,  who  with  the  older  members, 
were  united  with  the  church  in  Dover,  as  a  branch  church. 

In  March  1832,  nineteen  members  were  recognized  as 
an  independent  church.  The  following  September  they 
had  increased  to  thirty-two.  By  a  revival  in  1838,  it  was 
increased  by  nineteen  baptisms.  It  received  only  occa- 
sional preaching,  and  it  did  not  very  well  succeed  in  its 
operations.  After  the  formation  of  the  '  Foxcroft  and 
Dover  Village  church,'  this  church  was  disbanded,  most 
of  its  members  uniting  with  that  body.J 

*Min.  P.  A. ;  letters  to  that  body.  fN.  E.  Gazelcer.  tMin  P-  and  P's- 
Association. 


386  CHURCH   IN    GARLAND— STETSON— PITTSFIELD. 

GARLAND.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1811.  The 
earliest  settlers  were  mostly  Congregationalists.  It  was 
several  years  before  there  were  any  resident  Baptists. 
However,  by  means  of  occasional  preaching  by  missiona- 
ries and  visiting  ministers,  a  few  Baptists  were  raised  up, 
and  connected  with  the  church  in  Dexter.  Dec.  1833, 
eleven  members  were  recognized  as  a  church.  They 
have  never  had  a  pastor,  and  not  more  stated  preaching 
than  one  week  in  four.  Elders  E.  W.  Cressy,  S.  M.  Rice, 
N.  Robinson,  and  J.  Hatch,  have  afforded  them  some  as- 
sistance. They  remain  in  a  low  and  discouraged  state. 
Their  present  number  is  eighteen.  They  unite  with  other 
societies  in  Sabbath  Schools.* 

STETSON.  (See  '  NEWPORT  and  STETSON,'  pp.  240  and 
283.) 

PITTSFIELD.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1819. 
Jan.  1830,  Eld.  D.  McMaster  became  a  resident  in  town, 
and  preached  to  the  people  occasionally,  but  with  no  ap- 
parent success.  Previous  to  his  labors  the  gospel  had  not 
exerted  its  salutary  influences  in  town,  and  the  people  were 
far  from  being  too  moral.  '  Sabbath  breaking  and  intem- 
perance had  become  common  evils.'  During  1832  and 
'33,  Eld.  M.  withheld  his  labors,  and  the  people  were  left 
almost  without  preaching  of  any  kind.  At  the  beginning 
of  1834,  Eld.  M.  recommenced  his  preaching  wherever  he 
could  in  this  dark  and  desolate  spot;  and  his  efforts  were 
not  in  vain.  God  sent  down  his  Spirit,  converted  sinners, 
and  in  May,  1834,  a  church  of  eighteen  members  appeared 
in  P.  This  church  by  the  faithful  labors  of  Eld.  M.,  was 
soon  enlarged.  Sabbath  Schools  and  Temperance  Socie- 
ties were  immediately  formed.  Thus  in  the  short  time  of 
a  few  months,  the  moral  aspect  of  Pittsfield  was  greatly 
changed.  The  people  had  sat  in  darkness,  but  now  they  saw 

*Alin.  P.  A.  and  letters  to  the  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  ATHENS  VILLAGE— EXETER.          3Q7 

a  pleasant  light.  During  1835,  this  church  had  by  mis- 
sionaries and  others,  preaching  semi-monthly.  But  from 
that  time  till  1842,  it  was  destitute,  and  being*  surrounded 
by  those  ready  to  devour,  and  becoming  luke-warm,  and 
scattered,  they  lost  their  hold  of  the  cross,  and  wandered 
from  the  denomination.  In  1839  they  reported  twenty- 
seven  members.* 

ATHENS  VILLAGE.  The  original  members  of  the  church 
in  this  village  were  from  other  churches.  They  were  or- 
ganized in  1836,  seven  in  number.  Elder  Rufus  Jones 
was  the  agent  in  promoting  these  first  Baptist  movements 
in  this  village.  The  next  year,  under  the  united  labors  of 
Mr.  Jones  and  C.  Taylor,  then  both  licentiates,  a  pleasant 
revival  was  enjoyed  in  this  church  and  village.  Both  of 
these  gospel  preachers  have  since  been  ordained;  the 
former  took  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  first  church  in 
Athens,  and  the  latter  the  charge  of  this  church.  In  1841 
Eld.  Jones  became  the  pastor  of  this  church  and  officiated 
till  1843,  when  he  returned  to  the  business  of  farming 
for  support.  The  church,  therefore,  has  no  pastor,  and  is 
small  and  feeble,  with  thirty-seven  members  only.t 

EXETER.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1811.  For 
many  years  the  people  had  but  few  gospel  privileges,  and 
it  was  not  till  about  1836,  that  the  Baptists  made  any  very 
successful  efforts  in  town.  A  few  resided  here  and  be- 
longed to  the  church  in  Dexter.  In  1836,  Eld.  J.  Hatch, 
missionary  for  the  Convention,  spent  eight  weeks  in  this 
town,  and  was  instrumental  in  gathering  these  scattered 
and  lonely  disciples  into  a  church,  and  of  strengthening 
their  faith  and  zeal.  They  were  fifteen  in  number.  Eld. 
H.  preached  monthly  in  1837,  and  some  in  '38  and  '39. 
After  about  two  years  of  declension  and  darkness,  the 
church  was  revived  by  the  preaching  of  Elder.  C.  T.  Nor- 

*Min.  P.  A.  and  letters  to  that  body.    fMin.  P.  and  P.  A.  Eld.  Jones'  Com. 


388     CHURCH  IN  OLD  TOWN— SEBEC— BANGOR,  dtc. 

cross.  He  preached  one-third  of  the  time  most  of  the 
year  1842,  and  in  '43  they  were  favored  again  with  Elder 
Hatch  monthly.  By  these  labors  the  church  with  much 
struggling  in  itself  is  enabled  to  do  but  little  more  than 
sustain  visibility.  Their  number  is  twenty-two.* 

OLDTOWN.  This  church  was  organized  in  1835,  with  five 
members,  but  had  no  regular  preaching  for  about  two  years. 
In  1837  E.  Freeman  began  to  preach  to  them,  and  in  '38  he 
was  ordained  their  pastor.  About  twenty  were  added  to  the 
church  during  his  ministry.  In  1839  Eld.  C.  Blanchard 
began  his  labors  among  them,  and  the  next  year  took 
charge  of  the  church.  Their  present  number  is  seventy, 
and  promises  to  be  an  important  and  useful  body  in  the 
denomination. t 

SEBEC.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1812.  It  has 
a  small  village  at  the  outlet  of  '  Sebec  Pond.'  Here  the 
religious  societies  centre.  A  few  Baptists  belonging  as  a 
branch  to  the  church  in  Charleston,  had  resided  here  some 
years  before  a  church  of  twelve  members  was  organized  in 
1836.  But  not  being  able  to  sustain  preaching  more  than 
monthly,  their  progress  is  slow.  Elders  T.  Macomber,  N. 
Robinson,  L.  Bradford,  E.  McGregor,  missionary,  and  A. 
G.  Tibbets  are  among  those  who  have  preached  statedly 
here.  Their  present  number  is  thirty.J 

BANGOR  AND  GLENBURN.  This  church  was  organized 
in  1837,  of  nine  members,  residents  in  Bangor  and  Glen- 
burn,  and  centres  its  operations  about  six  miles  north-west 
of  the  city  of  Bangor.  This  church  was  gathered  by  the 
instrumentality  of  Mr.  H.  H.  Smith,  then  a  student  in  the 
Theological  Institution  at  Bangor.  Additions  were  soon 
made  to  it  by  converts  baptized  by  Elder  T.  B.  Robinson. 
They  have  had  no  pastor,  but  preaching  statedly,  either 

*Min.  P.  A.:  Min.Con.;  letters  to  the  Asso.  fMin.  P.  A.  and  letters  tot 
the  Asso  &c.  fE.  Robinson,  Cli  Clk.  Com. 


NEWBURG— PASSADUNKEAG— PALMYRA.  339 

monthly  or  semi-monthly,  and  with  their  limited  means 
have  made  some  progress.  In  1842  and  '43,  the  church 
was  blessed  with  a  revival  and  a  number  of  additions.  A. 
Kelley,  a  licentiate,  ministered  to  them  in  1841,  and  Eld. 
D.  Steward  in  1843.  Their  present  number  is  forty.* 

NEWBURO.  This  town  was  incorporated  1819.  It  is 
fourteen  miles  south  west  of  Bangor.  Baptists  commenced 
some  movements  here  in  1823.  The  general  religious 
views  of  the  people  were  of  an  Arminian  cast,  and  Baptist 
sentiments  at  first  were  not  well  received.  A  church  of 
eleven  members  was  embodied  in  1838.  Though  destitute 
of  a  pastor,  and  with  only  a  small  school-house  for  their 
place  of  worship,  they  still  prosper.  They  have  had 
preaching  by  various  ministers  about  one  half  of  the  time, 
and  were  blessed  with  a  refreshing  season  in  1841.  A. 
Kelley,  licensed  by  the  church,  afforded  them  some  aid,  and 
Wm.  Miller,  ordained  1843,  has  been  a  blessing  to  them 
since  1841.  Their  number  is  twenty-three,  and  their 
prospects  goodt 

PASSADUNKEAG.  This  town  is  thirty  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Bangor,  and  has  a  flourishing  village  at  the  junction  of 
Passadunkeag  stream  with  Penobscot  river.  It  is  a  rapid- 
ly growing  place,  and  promises  to  be  an  important  town  in 
the  eastern  country.  In  1838,  a  church  of  eight  members 
was  embodied  here ;  but  not  under  the  most  favorable  cir- 
cumstances. At  first,  they  had  but  a  small  amount  of 
gospel  preaching.  Since  1840,  they  have  been  more  highly 
favored  ;  Eld.  A.  P.  Messer  has  preached  monthly,  with 
success,  and  their  number  has  increased  to  twenty-seven.J 

PALMYRA.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1807.  Bap- 
tists began  to  increase  in  town  about  this  time,  and  in  1810, 
the  church  '1§t.  Albans  and  Hartland  Village,'  was  organ- 
ized, in  which  all  the  Baptists  in  this  town  concentrated 

*Min.P.  A.  and  letters  to  the  Asso.    fMin.  P.  Asso.    }Min.  P.  Ass. 


393  CHURCH  IN  SPRINGFIELD— EDDINGTON. 

their  efforts  for  many  years.  In  the  beginning  of  1838, 
Eld.  John  Robinson,  of  Cornville,  came  into  the  town  and 
commenced  preaching  in  a  neighborhood,  where  the  pros- 
pect of  success  was  somewhat  uncertain,  the  people  gener- 
ally being  under  the  soul-destroying  influence  of  Universal- 
ism.  But  encouraged  by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  he  perse- 
vered, and  though  there  was  not  a  praying  family  in  the 
neighborhood,  the  converting  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
soon  appeared,  which  soon  changed  the  scene,  so  much, 
that  instead  of  the  sportsman's  gun  and  woodman's  axe,  on 
Sabbath  morning,  the  voice  of  singing  and  praying  was 
heard.  In  April,  a  church  of  thirteen  members  was  em- 
bodied as  the  fruits  of  this  work,  and  the  blessing  was 
continued  through  the  summer,  during  which  about  thirty 
were  added  to  the  church. 

Sept.  1839,  Sullivan  A.  Maxim,  one  of  its  members,  was 
set  apart  to  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  and  the  next  year 
received  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church.  He  preaches 
however  only  once  a  month,  leaving  a  vacancy  to  be  filled 
by  occasional  supplies  by  others.  He  was  pastor  a  short 
time  only — withdrawing  his  charge,  to  labor  in  other  fields- 
In  1843,  he  was  again  pastor,  and  the  prospects  of  the 
church  are  more  encouraging  than  in  former  years.  Pres- 
ent number  is  thirty-nine.* 

SPRINGFIELD.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1834,  and 
is  sixty  miles  N.  E.  by  E.  from  Bangor.  With  the  rapidly 
growing  population,  Baptists  from  other  places  became 
residents  in  town,  and  in  Dec.  1838,  a  church  of  eight 
members  was  organized,  and  Eld.  A.  P.  Messer  has  preach- 
ed with  this  people  monthly  since  that  time.  His  labors 
have  been  useful  to  the  increase  of  the  church,  which  con- 
sists  of  thirty-seven  members.! 

EDDINGTON,  is  six  miles  above  Bangor  on  the  east  side 

*Min.  P.  A.  and  S.  Keen's  Con}.  tE.  F.  Leighton,  Ch.  Ck.  Com.  Min.  P.A  . 


ARGYLE— NEWPORT  VIL.-N.  BANGOR— PATTEN.  391 

of  Penobscot  river.  In  Jan.  1839,  a  church  of  twenty-six 
members  mostly  dismissed  from  the  church  in  Amherst, 
was  embodied  here.  This  company  of  disciples  have  a 
large  field  to  cultivate,  and  the  opportunity  of  doing  much 
good.  They  hold  their  meetings  in  two  places  alternately, 
four  miles  apart ;  but  they  have  had  but  little  preaching, 
and  have  little  more  than  a  name  to  live.  The  enemy  has 
sowed  strife  among  them  .Their  number  in  1842,  was 
thirty-one.* 

ARGYLE.  In  1838  Eld.  G.  J.  Newton  became  a  resi- 
dent in  this  town,  and  began  to  preach  occasionally,  and 
in  Sept.  1838,  a  church  of  but  four  members  were  organ- 
ized, who  elected  Eld.  N.,  their  pastor.  The  church  has 
increased  to  thirteen,  but  has  never  obtained  great  pros- 
perity. The  Methodists  have  the  leading  religious  influ- 
ence in  the  place.t 

NEWPORT  VILLAGE.  This  village  is  twenty-four  miles 
west  of  Bangor,  and  is  a  flourishing  and  beautiful  place. 
A  few  Baptists  had  resided  here  for  several  years.  But  it 
was  not  till  1842  that  a  church  was  embodied.  It  had 
eleven  members,  and  has  increased  to  twenty-six.  They 
have  no  pastor,  but  own  a  part  of  a  '  Union  Meeting  House,' 
and  unite  with  other  societies  in  the  Sabbath  School. J 

NORTH  BANGOR.  This  church  was  constituted  in  1842 
with  six  members.  It  has  no  pastor,  but  regular  preaching, 
and  has  increased  by  an  addition  of  five.§ 

PATTEN.  This  is  a  church  in  the  wilderness.  '  There 
is  not  a  Baptist  church  within  fifty  miles  of  it,  and  but  one 
or  two  of  any  kind,'  and  three  years  ago  it  must  have  been 
an  exercise  of  strong  faith  to  anticipate  what  is  now  seen 
and  felt  in  Patten.  But  God  accomplishes  his  own  will. 
In  the  spring  of  1842,  Eld.  E.  McGregor,  by  the  direction 

*Min.  P.  A.  and  Zion's  Advocate,  1839.  tMin.  P.  A.  and  Eld.  G.  J. 
Newton's  letter.  JMin.  P.  A.  $Zion's  Adv.  1842 


392 


PENOBSCOT  ASSOCIATION. 


of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  visited  and  refreshed  the 
inhabitants  of  the  forest.  He  labored  fifteen  weeks  with 
much  success,  and  in  May  1843,  a  church  was  organized 
in  Patten,  where  in  1840,  there  was  but  one  Baptist  pro- 
fessor. The  number  at  first  was  thirteen,  which  soon  in- 
creased to  twenty.  Their  prospects  are  encouraging.* 

PENOBSCOT  ASSOCIATION.. ..TABULAR  VIEW. 


C3 

r 

O 

- 

- 

— 

~ 

ORGANIZED  1826. 

2 

?-: 

• 

"5 

5 

£ 
•j- 

— 

a 

2' 

c 
- 

1 

2. 

s 

c 

3 

" 

~s 

5' 

r 

x 

3T 

— 

- 

£_ 

8 

1 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

0 

c' 

c_ 

— 

n 
a. 

-. 

9! 

c 

z 

0 

Elna&Carmel(lstCarmel)   1807!  9 

195 

19 

4 

91 

•>3 

u 

7 

22.> 

76 

1st  Hampden, 

loOi) 

12 

153 

30 

5 

57 

i5 

2<  ; 

6 

19 

in: 

69 

Charleston, 

1810 

12 

176 

71 

l 

86 

55 

21 

(i 

21  it 

98 

Newport  and  Stetson, 
Bangor, 

1817 
1818 

11 

92 

257 

32 
207 

3 

15 
131 

12 

n 

i.; 

31 

3 

2.') 

8 

( 

I2S 

175 

81 
243 

Corinth. 

1822 

i: 

124 

54 

5 

38 

li! 

13 

5 

2i; 

191 

155 

Enfield  (1st  Coldstream) 

1826 

11 

78 

18 

4 

14 

11 

It 

.") 

115 

76 

Bradford  (1st  Blakesburgh) 

1827 

8 

72 

34 

n; 

9 

25 

7 

4 

52 

114 

43 

Levant, 

1828 

; 

78 

29 

42 

11 

4 

5 

[06 

53 

2d  Hampden, 

1828 

61 

13 

9. 

33 

10 

1 

E 

n 

36 

Greenfield  and  No.  1, 

1829 

17 

52 

1 

1 

6 

17 

5 

r. 

70 

40 

Lincoln, 

1830 

6 

16 

16 

5 

1 

3 

2 

M 

27 

Lee,  (once  No.  4,) 

1830 

10 

23 

15 

9 

12 

1 

L6 

18 

29 

Plymouth, 

1831 

:! 

33 

25 

10 

1 

1 

p; 

r,; 

35 

Garland, 

1833 

II 

12 

10 

10 

| 

I 

! 

.i.  ! 

18 

Exeter, 

183G 

i:- 

10 

5 

5 

6 

1 

i 

30 

22 

Oldtown,  (1st  Orono,) 

1835 

.) 

60 

20 

16 

i 

;:.•) 

70 

Bangor  and  Glenburu, 

1837 

9 

39 

7 

4 

2 

1 

i 

63 

40 

Nevvburg, 

1839 

!l 

8 

15 

4 

-'f 

1 

4 

34 

23 

Passaduinkeag, 

1838 

,: 

14 

6 

1 

;  ;; 

27 

Palmyra, 

1338 

IS 

35 

11 

1 

7 

!  ! 

.; 

to 

39 

Argyle, 
Springfield, 

1839 
1839 

1 

a 

4 

22 

6 
12 

3 

1 

,J 

1 

li 

!.'. 

13 

37 

Eddington  &  Jarvis'  Gore, 
Newport  Vil.  Church, 

1839 
1842 

Jn 

1! 

~5 
6 

3 

9 

4 

! 

36 

27 

31 

26 

North  Bangor, 
patten, 

1842J  G 
1843  13 

2     3 

7 

i 

111  11 

20|  20 

i 

1 

^ 

~ 

i 

i 

F 

'• 

I 

r: 

1 

1 

i 

*Min.  P.  A.  and  letter  to  the  Asso. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

PISCATAQUIS  ASSOCIATION. 

Original  Churches— Parkman,  p.  231  ;  First  Sangerville,  215;  Sebec,  388 } 
Dover,  315;  Abbot,  382;  Athens  Village,  387;  St.  Albans,382;  Har- 
mony, 212  ;  Guilford,  227  ;  Athens,  233  ;  Corinna,  238  ;  Dexter,  37G  ; 
Moiison,379;  Cambridge,  237. 

From  Lincoln  Association— Atkinson  and  Milton,  318;  St.  Albans  and 
Hartland;  North-Hill,  232. 

A«lile<l  between  1839  and  1813 — Second  Sangerville  ;  Foxcrofl  and  Dover 
Village;  Kast  St.  Albans;  Milo;  Greenville  and  Shirley;  Second  Pal- 
myra; Ilartlaud. 

THIS  ASSOCIATION  embraces  churches  situated  mostly 
in  Piscataquis  County,  and  dismissed  from  the  Penobscot 
Association  in  1838,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  this  body. 
It  was  organized  at  Parkman,  Sept.  10,  1839,  of  fourteen 
churches;  Atkinson  and  Milton  and  Second  Sangerville 
were  received  at  their  first  meeting,  making  in  all  sixteen 
churches,  with  ten  ordained  ministers,  and  two  licentiate 
preachers,  and  eight  hundred  and  seven  communicants.* 

This  Association  embraces  a  new  country  in  which 
many  of  the  churches  are  small,  and  possess  but  a  limited 
ability  to  sustain  the  gospel.  The  Baptists  here,  however, 
are  indefatigable  in  perseverance,  and  obtain  a  rapid  in- 
crease. They  do  all  they  can  to  promote  the  religion  of 
Christ  among  themselves  and  something  for  the  cause 
abroad. 

There  is  no  cause  of  benevolence  or  wide  spreading 
sin,  that  receives  the  attention  of  other  Associations  that 
is  indifferently  passed  over  by  this  body.  Their  resolutions 
are  copious  and  spirited,  and  their  zeal  corresponds  to  their 
resolves.  In  their  Minutes  for  1843,  instead  of  the  usual 
long  list  of  resolutions  published  by  the  Associations  almost 
annually,  they  inserted  the  following  one,  as  expressive  of 
the  spirit  and  will  of  the  churches. 

*Min.  Pis.  Asso.   1839. 


394  2D  SANGERV1LLE— FOXCROFT— E.  ST.  ALBANS. 

'  Resolved,  That  our  views  in  regard  to  all  the  benevo- 
lent operations  have  not  changed,  nor  our  zeal  abated.  And 
we  recommend  more  of  the  book  of  Acts,  and  less  of  the 
book  of  resolves.'* 

Since  their  first  anniversary  God  has  eminently  blessed 
this  body.  Seven  churches  have  been  added,  making  in  all 
in  1843,  twenty-three  churches,  with  fifteen  ordained  min- 
isters, one  licentiate,  and  one  thousand  three  hundred  and 
four  communicants.! 

SECOND  SANGERVILLE,  is  situated  in  the  south  part  of 
the  town,  and  was  embodied  in  1839,  with  eleven  members, 
most  of  them  dismissed  from  the  first  church.  There 
was  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  expediency  of 
the  separation.  They  have  had  no  pastor,  but  since  1841, 
have  had  preaching  monthly  by  Elder  J.  F.  Page,  and 
have  increased  to  twenty-two  members.^ 

FOXCROFT  AND  DOVER  VILLAGE.  This  church  is  situ- 
ated in  the  two  flourishing  villages,  Foxcroft  and  Dover. 
Eleven  members,  previously  dismissed  from  the  old 
•churches  were  embodied  into  church  relation,  August, 
1840.  In  1841,  they  had  preaching  by  C.  P.  St.  Clair,  a 
licentiate,  semi-monthly  ;  in  1842  they  had  preaching 
monthly,  and  in  1843  Elder  O.  B.  Walker  became  their 
pastor.  By  the  blessing  of  God  their  number  has  increased 
to  seventy.^ 

EAST  ST.  ALBANS  is  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  town. 
It  was  embodied  in  the  winter  of  1840.  It  owes  its  exis- 
tence partly  to  dismissions  from  the  church  in  Dexter,  but 
mostly  to  a  revival  experienced  at  that  time  in  its  vicinity. 
Its  original  number  wast  hirty-one,  and  its  present  is  thirty- 
nine.  From  their  commencement  till  1842,  they  had 
preaching  one  half  the  time  by  Elders  Winchester  and 

*Min.  P.  A.  1843,  p.  G.     fMin.  P.  A.  table,  pp.  4  and 5.     {Min.  P.  A.  and 
letters  to  the  Asso.     oKM.  Robinson's  Cora,  and  Miu.  P.  Asso. 


MILO— GREENVILLE  &  SHIRLEY— 2D  PALMYRA.     395 

Roberts ;  in  1842,  by  Eld.  J.  Hatch,  and  in  1843,  by  Eld. 
J.  P.  Roberts.  They  have  no  pastor,  nor  house  of  worship 
excepting  school  and  dwelling  houses.* 

MILO.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1823,  and  is 
increasing  rapidly  in  population.  Baptists,  by  emigration, 
gradually  became  residents  in  the  place.  In  June  1840, 
a  church  of  twelve  members  was  organized.  The  next 
year  they  were  assisted  by  Eld.  T.  Macomber,  who  preached 
monthly  for  them.  In  1842,  they  had  the  same  amount  of 
preaching,  and  some  revival,  and  in  '43  they  had  preaching 
every  third  Sabbath  by  Eld.  A.  G.  Tibbets.  Their  num- 
ber is  thirty-one.t 

FOXCROFT,  received  in  1842  from  Penobscot,(see  p.  385.) 

ST.  ALBANS  and  HARTLAND,  received  in  1843  from 
Penobscot,  (seep.  396.) 

GREENVILLE  AND  SHIRLEY.  Shirley  was  incorporated 
in  1836,  and  Greenville  in  1834.  These  towns  are  among 
the  extreme  settlements  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State, 
and  are  situated  upon  the  higher  branches  of  the  Piscata- 
quis  river,  and  near  '  Moosehead  Lake.'  The  church . 
bearing  the  above  name  was  organized  of  ten  members 
from  these  towns,  near  the  southern  extremity  of  this  Lake. 
In  1843,  Stephen  Darling  of  Greenville,  and  Otis  Cobb, 
were  chosen  deacons.  Three  others  have  since  united  with 
this  small  company  of  disciples  in  the  wilderness.  They 
are  scattered  over  a  large  territory  and  desire  the  labors  of 
a  missionary.!  This  church  was  gathered  by  the  labors  of 
Eld.  O.  B.  Walker,  who  was  sent  there  on  a  mission  two 
weeks  by  the  Maine  Domestic  Missionary  Society. 

SECOND  PALMYRA,  was  organized  in  1843,  with  twelve 
members  from  the  '  old  church,'  with  twenty  others,  the 
fruit  of  a  revival,  and  has  increased  to  fifty-five.  It  had 
the  occasional  ministry  of  Elders  Joseph  and  J.  P.  Roberts. 

"E.  Crocker's  Com.  and  Min.  Pis.  A.  fl\Iin.  P.  Asso.  JZion's  Adv.  1C43. 


39C 


PISCATAQU1S  ASSOCIATION. 


HARTLAND.  This  is  a  feeble  church  of  sixteen  mem- 
bers. It  was  embodied  in  1843,  with  eight  members,  and 
is  assisted  by  the  occasional  ministry  of  Elders  D.  M'Mas- 
ter  and  S.  A.  Maxim,* 


PISCATAQ.UIS    ASSOCIATION.. ..TABULAR  VIEW. 


^ 

C 

K 

r- 

- 

O 

- 

5 

- 

r 

r. 

^ 

13 

ORGANIZED  183"9. 

IT 

p' 

9> 

-o 

z 

c 

1' 

M 

— 
- 

£. 

-! 

c 

e 

- 

0_ 

S 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

2 

S 

a> 
py 

5 

O. 

i 

1 

o' 

= 
Z 

3 

p 

Harmony, 
Sangerville,  (Piscataquis) 

1808 
1808 

28 

12 

9621 
13235 

6 
1 

65 
86 

17 
32 

10 
l.i 

1 

n 

|145 
17!) 

21 
21 

St.  Albans  and  Hartland, 

1810 

7 

214  52 

55 

31 

17 

16 

9273 

173 

Guilford, 

1813 

1  i 

20246 

12 

103 

11 

!."> 

22 

'2(1:2 

99 

Parkman, 

1818 

16 

299"  97 

12 

103 

33 

15 

13 

31 

112 

193 

Athens, 

1819 

lu 

7821 

9 

27 

26 

13 

3  109 

66 

Dover, 

1818 

11 

147  '62 

J2 

75 

82 

912 

10 

221 

85 

Cambridge,  (Ripley) 

1822 

31 

6543 

7 

42 

36 

§y 

1'i  139 

73 

Corinna, 

1822 

ID 

53 

14 

;; 

32 

n 

7    1 

6 

107 

50 

Atkinson  and  Milton, 

1825 

22 

50 

12! 

8 

24 

i~ 

5, 

3 

85 

34 

Dexter, 

1825 

.5(1 

102 

60 

6 

84 

u 

13    1 

1 

197 

66 

Monson, 

1827 

13 

63 

,'.; 

i 

19 

j 

4 

1 

99 

76 

1st  St.  Albans, 

1829 

15 

19 

Hi 

7 

4 

6 

50 

23 

Abbot, 

1827 

9 

33 

17 

1 

18 

12 

5 

3 

59 

22 

Athens  Vill.  Ch. 

1836 

7 

30 

7 

4 

1 

li 

4 

44 

37 

Sebec, 

1835 

K 

28 

1 

j 

4 

3 

2 

37 

30 

2d  Sangerville,                       J1839 

1! 

4 

.  9 

2 

2 

2 

24 

22 

Foxcrofl  &  Dover  Village, 

1840 

11 

23 

33 

i 

4 

67 

70 

East  St.  Albans, 

1840 

.;i 

11 

a 

9 

s 

2 

a 

45 

39 

Greenville  and  Shirlev, 

1843 

10 

* 

13 

13 

2d  Palmyra, 

1843 

32 

13 

45 

45 

Hartland, 

1813 

8 

4 

l 

16 

16 

Milo, 

1840 

12    13 

c 

31 

31 

i 

i 

pi 

a 

- 

S 

£ 

8 

I 

~ 

i 

1 

8 

•H 

to 

i- 

*Min.  P.  A. 


CHAPTER  XXIIL 

WALDO    ASSOCIATION. 

Churches  whose  histories  have  been  given-r-First  Vassalboro',  109  :  Second 
Vassalboro',  112  :  First  China,  176;  Second  China,  150:  First  Palermo,  • 
262 :  Second  Palermo,  288 :  First  Montville,  276  :  Second  Montville, 
302;  Freedom.  302:  Knox,  268  :  Appleton,  307  :  Belfast,  289  :  Waldo. 
314 :  Albion,  217 :  Searsmont,  319  :  Monroe,  397  :  Frankfort,  286  :  Wind- 
sor, 313 :  Dixmont,  293 :  Swauville,  177  :  Islesboro',  188  :  Belmont, 
301. 

Added  between  1828  and  1843 — Winslow :  Second  Searsmont :  Second 
Belfast :   Frankfort  Village  :  Unity. 

IN  1828,  the  churches  in  the  county  of  Waldo,  and  in 
that  part  of  the  County  of  Kennebec,  lying  on  the  east  side 
of  Kennebec  river,  and  belonging  to  Lincoln  Association, 
by  their  request,  were  dismissed  to  form  the  Waldo  Asso- 
ciation. These  met  by  their  delegates,  in  Palermo,  Oct. 
10,  1828,  and  organized.  Their  first  annual  meeting  was 
held  at  Montville,  in  August  1829.  Three  more  churches 
from  Lincoln  Association  united  with  them.  At  this  meet- 
ing the  body  was  enlarged  to  seventeen  churches,  nine 
ordained  ministers,  three  licentiates,  and  seven  hundred  and 
forty-nine  communicants. 

The  sentiments  of  this  body  as  regards  the  various  benev- 
olent objects  which  receive  the  attention  of  the  denomina- 
tion at  large,  are  in  harmony  with  their  brethren,  as  the 
following  vote,  passed  in  annual  meeting*  shows :  '  We 
manifest  our  cordial  approval  of  the  berievolent  operations 
of  the  day ;'  and  resolutions  appropriate  to  the  various 
objects  have  been  adopted.  These  churches  approve  of 
Temperance,  Sabbath  Schools,  Ministerial  Education, 
Missions,  Bible  and  Tract  causes,  and  disapprove  of  Pope- 
ry and  Slavery."]" 

They  also  disallow  one  church  the  right  to  receive  a 

*Min.  W.  A.    fMin.  1834. 
18 


398  CHURCH   IN   WINSLOW. 

member  expeiled  from  another,*  and  account  it  contrary 
to  pure  and  proper  discipline  to  drop  members.t  They 
consider  it  reprehensible  for  an  evangelist  to  baptize  persons 
within  the  limits  of  a  church  favored  with  a  pastor,without 
first  consulting  himj  and  further,  they  condemn  the  prac- 
tice of  baptizing  persons,  and  not  uniting  them  with  a  reg- 
ular Baptist  church. |  As  regards  members  wishing  to  leave 
and  connect  themselves  with  other  religious  societies,  they 
allow  at  the  request  of  the  person  leaving,  the  giving  a 
writing,  certifying  the  act  of  withdrawal  from  such  a  mem- 
ber, and  the  reason  thereof.  § 

Since  the  organization  of  this  body,  several  alterations 
have  occurred  and  enlargements  made,  which  are  impor- 
tant to  its  history.  The  two  churches  in  Vassalboro'  have 
become  one  church — second  Montville  and  Prospect  are 
among  the  lost.  The  Association  has  received  Monroe, 
Frankfort,  Windsor,  Dixmont,  Swanville,  Islesboro',  from 
the  Lincoln  ;  and  the  churches  which  have  arisen  as  fruits 
of  their  influence,  under  God,  are,  second  Searsmont,  se- 
cond Frankfort,  Winslow,  Belmont,  and  Unity.  The 
church  in  Hope  has  returned  to  the  Lincoln. 

The  present  number  of  churches,  twenty-one  ;  ordained 
ministers,  thirteen  ;  licentiates,  one;  and  communicants, 
seventeen  hundred  and  fourteen — making  an  increase  of 
members,  nine  hundred  sixty-five.  1843  was  distinguished 
for  extensive  and  glorious  revivals  among  these  churches. 

WINSLOW.  This  town,  nearly  opposite  Waterville,  was 
incorporated  in  1771.  From  1826  there  had  been  occa- 
sional preaching  by  Elders  Webber,  King,  Proctor,  Bart- 
lett,  and  Copeland.  In  the  spring  of  1837,  there  was  some 
revival  in  the  east  part  of  the  town,  under  the  labors  of 
brethren  Bartlett  and  Knox.  Souls  were  converted  and 
baptized,  and  a  church  of  twenty-five  members  was  em- 

*Min.  1836,  p.  6.f  Min.  1835,  p.  7.  JMin.  1343,  pp.  5  and  7.  §Min  '43,  p.  6. 


2D  SEARSMONT— 2D  BELFAST -FRANKFORT  VIL.   399 

bodied.  Previous  to  the  death  of  Eld.  Palmer,  they  were 
blessed  by  his  ministry.  They  have  also  had  assistance  by 
Eld.  S.  Knox,  and  by  students  from  Waterville.  They  have 
no  pastor,  and  a  school  house  is  their  place  of  worship. 
Their  present  number  is  thirty-five.* 

SECOND  SEARSMONT.  In  1838,  a  second  church  in 
Searsmont  was  organized  with  ten  or  twelve  members,  and 
T.  Bailey  was  chosen  deacon.  In  1840,  their  number  was 
nearly  doubled.  They  have  been  checked  in  their  progress 
by  some  severe  internal  difficulties.  They  had  twenty-four 
members  in  1843.t 

SECOND  BELFAST.  This  church  is  situated  in  the  east 
part  of  Belfast,  and  embraces  members  in  Belfast  and 
West  Prospect.  Several  members  of  the  church  in  Belfast 
village  resided  here,  and  in  the  winter  of  1840,  C.  G. 
Porter,  a  licentiate  of  the  church  in  Calais,  labored  among 
them,  and  God  owned  and  blessed  his  ministry  to  the 
quickening  of  his  people,  and  to  the  conversion  of  sinners. 
At  first  the  converts  united  with  the  church  at  the  village, 
but  their  numbers  increased  till  a  church  of  twenty-six 
members  was  embodied  in  this  part  of  the  town.  Mr. 
Porter  continued  to  preach  for  them  one  half  the  time  till 
the  end  of  1841,  when  A.  B.  Pendleton  became  their  pas- 
tor, but  soon  resigned.  They  have  since  prospered  with 
occasional  preaching,  and  have  increased  to  seventy-one 
members,  twenty  of  whom  were  baptized  during  a  revival 
in  18434 

FRANKFORT  VILLAGE  CHURCH,  (or  Second  Church  in 
FRANKFORT.)  This  village  is  on  the  Penobscot  river.  In 
Nov.  1841,  a  few  Baptists,  (eleven)  were  organized  into  a 
church.  The  first  year  of  their  existence  they  began  to 
arrange  for  the  building  a  house  of  worship,  which  they 

"Jos.  Taylor,  Ch.  Clk.  Com.  and  Min.  \V.  Asso.  tMin.  W  Asso.  1&13 
and  C.  G.  Porter's  Com.  JMin.  W.  A. 


400 


CHURCH  IN  UNITY. 


have  accomplished.  They  have  recently  enjoyed  a  pre- 
cious revival  under  the  labors  of  Eld.  C.  G,  Porter,  which 
has  increased  their  numbers  to  sixty-five.*1 

UNITY.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1804,  and  the 
same  year  a  Congregational  church  was  organized  by 
Jotham  Sewall,  but  for  many  years  it  was  small  and  des- 
titute.t  The  Baptist  church  is  of  recent  origin.  It  was 
constituted  in  1843,  of  eighteen  members,  with  Eld.  E.  H. 
Emery,  pastor.^ 


WALDO    ASSOCIATION TABULAR  VIEW. 


*  3 

C 

tt 

— 

£ 

C 

H 

C 

S 

r 

£ 

^ 

7 

ORGANIZED  1829. 

|'f 

*»' 

•u 

K 

5 

i. 

— 

c 

S. 

•o 

ft 

5' 

§; 

3 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

re 
F-g 

2 
c 

0 

s* 

a 

re 

c. 

ff 
^. 

~ 
S 
Ck 

n 

2 
o 

s 
Z 

T 

i    ' 

p 

§Vassalborough, 

1788 

11  380 

28110227 

Ki7 

n 

121 

429 

149 

2d  China, 

1767 

19213 

42 

4!  96 

80 

28 

10 

274 

64 

Knox, 

1800 

19 

160 

11 

11|  46 

46 

1') 

•23 

220 

97 

1st  China, 

1801 

17 

419 

n 

14133 

71 

13 

7 

517 

273 

Swauville(lst  Mt.Ephraim) 

1801 

1! 

127 

K; 

110 

,]£ 

11 

•2 

154 

17 

Jst  Palermo, 

1805 

18 

180 

1!) 

'7 

116 

111 

If! 

15 

247 

46 

Montville  (IstCh.) 

18071  5 

166 

>o 

1(1 

45 

51 

1') 

11 

190 

74 

1st  Frankfort, 

1808 

38 

93 

11 

7 

52 

12 

1:2 

9 

145 

37 

2d  Palermo, 

1809 

2:2 

123 

21 

3 

56 

35 

15 

5 

169 

65 

Belfast  (Vil.  1st) 

1809 

8 

221  64 

y 

84 

37 

15 

9 

293 

174 

HHelmont, 

1809 

21 

33 

ro 

7 

3 

2 

17 

67 

38 

Dixmont, 

1810 

3ii 

61 

i 

& 

20 

11 

18 

17 

107 

44 

Freedom,  (1st  Beaverhill) 

1812 

16 

68 

'23 

4 

88 

23 

18 

20 

138 

33 

Monroe." 

1816 

20 

14 

6 

1 

4 

1 

6 

34 

22 

Windsor  (2d  Malta) 

1820 

26 

155 

•2;: 

10 

38 

63 

17 

12 

209 

89 

Waldo, 

1820 

13 

54 

9 

4 

22 

15 

13 

76 

30 

Albion, 

1824 

24 

148 

36 

37 

3!! 

17 

42 

208 

74 

1st  Searsmont, 

1827 

13 

30 

23 

6 

5 

9 

1 

66 

47 

Winslow, 

1837 

26 

5 

13 

li 

1 

43 

35 

2d  Searsmont, 

1838 

It 

4 

11 

1 

1 

5 

29 

24 

2d  Belfast, 

1840 

26 

46 

B 

1 

;; 

80 

71 

Frankfort,  Vil.  Ch. 

1841 

11 

48 

7, 

1 

66 

65 

Unity, 

1843  18 

' 

18 

18 

§lst  and  2d  united  in  1840. 

I 

f 

1 

- 

S 

" 

i 

I' 

:~ 

i 

M 

03 

1" 

IJGreene,  reorganized  1842. 

n 

*Min.  W.  Asso.    fGreen.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  203.     {Mrn.  W.  A.  1843. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

-;    liv-fl 
KENNEBEC    ASSOCIATION. 

Churches  from  other  Associations — First  Sidney,  p.  116  ;  Second  Sidney, 
200;  Clinton,  149;  Industry,  151:  Farmington,  153;  Mt  Vernon,  158; 
New  Sharon.  178;  Bloomfield.' 180 ;  Belgrade,  202;  Cornville,  241; 
Milburn,  223  ;  Moscow,  223  ;  Waterville,229  ;  Canaan,  232;  First  Nor- 
ridgewock,  233  ;  Second  Norridgewock,  241 ;  Strong,  234 ;  Chesterville, 
235  ;  Madison;  261 ;  Anson,  235 ;  New  Portland,  221. 

Added  between  1830  and  1843 — Fairfield ;  Augusta  ;  Starks ;  Avon  ;  Second 
Bloomfield;  Solon;  Oak  Hill. 

THIS  body  was  organized  in  Industry,  September  1, 
1830,  with  twenty  churches,  nine  ordained  ministers, 
and  nine  hundred  and  nineteen  communicants.*  A  large 
part  of  the  churches  embraced  within  the  limits  of  this 
body  are  in  the  Counties  of  Somerset  and  Franklin. 

In  1841,  the  following  questions  were  proposed  by  the 
second  church  in  Norridgewock:"}* 

1st.  'What  is  the  duty  of  a  church  in  reference  to 
communing,  where  a  difficulty  exists  between  two  or 
more  of  its  members?' 

2d.  'What  is  the  duty  of  the  church  in  reference  to 
their  members,  who  are  under  such  circumstances?' 

These  important  queries  were  answered  by  the  Asso- 
ciation as  follows:  'The  church  has  no  power  to  set 
aside  the  command  of  Christ — 'Do  this  in  remembrance 
of  me.'  If,  however,  an  extreme  case  should  occur,  in 
which  obedience  to  this  command  cannot  be  rendered, 
the  omission  of  it  cannot  be  wrong.'  To  the  second,  it 
was  replied,  'It  may  be  consistent  to  suspend  both  par- 
ties from  religious  privileges,  where  investigation  cannot 
be  had,  or  results  formed.  But  in  no  case  are  the  in- 
nocent and  the  guilty  to  be  treated  alike  for  a  longer 

*Min.  of  K.  A.  1830.    iMin.  1841. 


402  KENNEBEC  ASSOCIATION. 

time  than  is  necessary  for  investigation  and  deliberate 
results.' 

Resolutions  had  been  frequently  passed  by  this  Asso- 
ciation, deprecating  'Slavery'  in  the  United  States  as  a 
most  extensive  evil  and  flagrant  sin;  but  in  1843,  the 
subject  came  up  in  a  new  form,  and  asking  for  a  decision 
as  regards  how  the  churches,  not  directly  affected  by 
the  sin,  should  treat  slave-holding  church  members/  at 
their  communion  and  fellowship.  The  question  came 
from  the  church  in  Augusta,  and  was  referred  to  a 
committee  of  three:  Warren,  Trask,  and  Bailey.  This 
committee  reported  the  following  resolution:  'That  it 
is  the  duty  of  our  churches  to  exclude  from  their  fel- 
lowship, individuals  and  churches  who  are  guilty  of 
the  sin  of  slavery,  as  they  would  for  any  other  fla- 
grant immorality.'  Upon  deliberation  and  discussion 
of  this  resolve,  it  was  ascertained  that  a  few  only  of  the 
brethren  present  were  in  favor  of  its  adoption,  and  the 
following  was  offered  as  a  substitute,  which  passed 
almost  unanimously:  'Resolved,  That  while  we  would 
carefully  discriminate  between  different  degrees  of  guilt, 
we  think  it  is  the  duty  of  the  churches,  after  faithful, 
scriptural  admonition,  to  withdraw  fellowship  from  in- 
dividuals and  churches  who  persist  in  the  sin  of  slavery ; 
this  withdrawal  being  based  upon  the  same  reasons  that 
exist  in  relation  to  any  other  flagrant  sin.'* 

Belgrade  and  First  Sidney  churches  have  undergone 
a  new  organization  ;  and  Chesterville,  Fairfield,  and 
Second  Norridgewock,  have  become  extinct.  In  1843, 
the  Association  had  twenty-five  churches,  twenty-one 
ordained  ministers,  and  one  thousand  five  hundred  and 
sixty-nine  communicants;  increase  in  thirteen  years, f 
six  hundred  and  fifty.  The  most  distinguished  revivals 
were  in  the  years  1832,  '38  and  '43. 

*Min.ofK.  A.  1843.    fMin.1843. 


CHURCH  IN  F AIRFIELD— AUGUSTA.  403 

FAIRFIELD.  In  1831,  several  brethren  belonging  to 
Baptist  churches  in  Waterville,  and  some  other  places, 
residing  in  the  south  part  of  Fairfield,  were  organized 
into  a  church  of  about  twenty  members.  But,  as  many 
feared  and  anticipated  when  it  was  formed,  it  has  fallen . 
At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1837,*  it 
was  recommended  to  these  brethren  to  unite  with  other 
churches,  f  Their  number  never  exceeded  twenty -seven. 

AUGUSTA.  Augusta,  the  capital  of  the  State,  was 
first  settled  in  1771,  and  incorporated  in  1797.  In  1840, 
it  contained  53 1 4  inhabitants.  The  first  religious  society 
formed  here,  was  the  Congregational  church,  in  1794. £ 
The  Baptist  church  here  is  comparatively  of  recent 
origin.  Pious  Baptists  and  members  of  other  churches 
had  for  many  years  gradually  increased  in  the  village. 
In  1831,  L.  Porter,  then  a  student  in  Waterville  Col- 
lege, preached  here  occasionally,  by  the  request  of  some 
of  the  resident  Baptists,  and  the  same  year  a  Baptist 
church  of  thirty  members,  was  gathered.  Their  first 
place  of  worship  was  the  old  Court  house.  This  was 
spacious  and  convenient. §  Here  they  had  occasional 
preaching.  The  officers  and  students  at  Waterville 
aided  their  undertaking.  By  these  means  they  pros- 
pered, and  were  increased  in  less  than  one  year  to  the 
number  of  sixty-fives  members. 

In  1834  and  '35,  they  were  supplied  almost  statedly 
with  the  ministry,  by  J.  C.  Morrill.||  During  these 
years  the  church  enjoyed  unusual  prosperity,  in  the 
addition  of  members,  and  in  the  increase  of  outward 
means  and  facilities  for  progress.  With  some  assistance 
from  abroad,  they  built  a  house  of  worship,  which  was 
furnished  with  a  good  bell  by  the  liberality  of  Col.  Alfred 

*See  Win.  1837,  p.  4.  tMin.  1836.  {Green.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  198.  §Zion's 
Adv.  Dec.  22,  1831.  ||Min.  1835,  p.  11. 


404     CHURCH  IN  STARKS— AVON— 2D  BLOOMF1ELD. 

Reddington.*  In  1836,  Rev.  C.  Blanchard  became  pas- 
tor, and  continued  about  one  year.  In  1838,  T.  Curtis 
was  installed  their  pastor,  but  left  them  in  about  two 
years,  destitute  and  in  a  low  and  discouraged  state. 
They  were  next  supplied  a  short  time  by  P.  S.  Adams; 
but  they  still  'remained  somewhat  unfruitful.'!  In  1841, 
E.  R.  Warren  became  their  pastor.  In  1842,  a  very 
general  revival}  blessed  the  church  and  society.  The 
church  was  enlarged  by  seventy-seven  by  baptism,  and 
others  by  letter.  In  1843,  it  had  one  hundred  and 
ninety-three  members. § 

STARKS.  This  town,  on  the  west  side  of  Kennebec 
river,  was  incorporated  in  1795.  A  Congregational 
society  was  established  here  in  1804.  Several  members 
of  the  Baptist  church  in  Industry  lived  in  Starks,  and 
in  1833,  a  church  of  fifteen  members  was  gathered, 
most  of  whom  were  dismissed  from  Industry.  They 
had  preaching  monthly.  In  1837,  they  were  increased 
by  a  special  revival,  and  by  another  season  of- mercy  in 
1842,  which  increased  the  church  to  its  present  number 
of  forty-five  members.  In  1840,  D.  T.  Allen  became 
their  pastor.  || 

AVON.  This  town  was  incorporated  1802.  Herethe 
sentiments  of  the  Methodists  have  long  prevailed.  The 
Baptist  ministers  came  and  preached,  and  some  of  the 
people  became  pious  and  were  baptized.  A  few  materials 
being  now  prepared  for  a  church,  it  was  embodied  May, 
1836.  Their  present  number  is  ten.^I 

SECOND  BLOOMFIELD.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  town 
of  Bloomfield,  where  this  church  is  located,  the  people 
were  nearly  destitute  of  gospel  privileges,  and  were  ex- 
ceeding careless  and  unconcerned  about  eternal  things. 
In  1835,  Eld.  L.  Packard  began  preaching  occasionally 

*Min.  1836,  p.  11.  tMin.  1840,  p.  10.  iMin.  1842,  statistics.  §Min  1843. 
IjMin.  K.  A.  TTJ.  Libby  Ch.  Clk.  Com.  Mjn.  1843. 


CHURCH  IN  SOLON— OAK  HILL. 


405 


here.  In  Oct.  1837,  a  church  of  thirteen  members 
was  organized.  Mr.  P.  was  pastor  from  1838  to  1842, 
preaching  for  them  one  half  and  then  one  fourth  of  the 
time.  Their  present  number  is  thirty.* 

SOLON.  In  Dec.  1840,  a  church  of  eleven  members  was 
constituted.  These  members  are  scattered  over  the  ter- 
ritory of  four  towns,  Embden,  Concord,  Bingham  and  So- 
lon, and  present  an  inviting  field  for  a  Missionary.  They 
have  preaching  about  one  fourth  of  the  time,  and  have  in- 
creased to  eighteen  members.t 

OAK  HILL,  NORRIDGEWOCK.  This  church  was  organ- 
ized in  1842.  It  has  twenty-one  members.^ 

KENNEBEC  ASSOCIATION....TABULAR  VIEW. 


C 

53 

73    O 

- 

r 

- 

r. 

SI 

o 

X 

0 

5 

ORGANIZED  1830. 

sr 
o 

fq 

•o 

& 

1 

B 

I 

5. 

-5 

=' 

3* 
0 

M 

= 

^, 

N 

n 

^ 

j» 

- 

1 

1 

a 

3 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

o 

c 

a. 

£. 

5 

a 

a 

"Z 

— 

D 

o 

£ 

O 

1st  Sidney  (reorgz.  1843)      11791 

16  133 

7 

41 

3822 

31 

156 

21 

Clinton, 

1796 

26 

206 

]<j 

11 

TI'I 

3921 

H 

250 

68 

Industry,  (1st  N.  Vineyard) 

1797 

§ 

165 

27 

1 

.:)7 

26 

21- 

it 

201 

50 

Farmington,  (reorgz.  1810) 
Mt.  Vernon, 

1797 
1799 

7 

!7 

146 
144 

3) 

20 

,6. 

§ 

42) 

3U> 

27 

21 
U 

Ifi 

Ki 

183 
188 

93 
44 

New  Sharon, 

1802 

I  > 

178 

.;« 

31 

es 

M 

M 

226 

93 

Blonmficld  (Canaan) 
2d  Sidney, 
Belgrade,  (reorg.  1840) 
Cornville, 

1803 
1806 
1806 
1801 

].-) 
IS 

20 

267 
171 
191 
210 

.;> 

S£ 
41 

7 

1 
5 
6 

Hi 
fi6 
35 

1:1 

16 

36 
M 

30 

1!' 
22 
29 

'•,2 

35 
56 

10 

17 

318 
236 

229 
271 

115 
77 
77 
131 

N.  Portland  (reorg.  1837) 
Moscow  (Bakerstown) 
Skowhegan,(2d  Canaan) 
Waterville, 

1810 
1812 
1813 
1318 

i! 

20 
20 

58 
72 
313 

l'i 

lii, 

'2 
r, 
1 

3 
12 
l.-> 
121 

l.i 
ll 

ol 

20 

3 

l 

4 
35 

21 

h 

27 
17 

79 
72 
106 
449 

36, 
37 
42 

257 

Canaan, 

1819 

i'.; 

46 

10 

1 

7 

'A 

| 

8 

72 

45 

Norridgewock, 
Anson, 

1819 
1820 

10 

w 

25 
38 

90 
W 

3! 

7 

9 

2.5 

6, 

l 

25| 
3 

55 

66 

26 
32 

Strong, 

1820  12 

40 

10 

11 

1.5 

12 

2 

62 

23 

Madison, 

1828'  13 

19 

12 

1 

11 

4 

1 

44 

28 

Augusta, 

183230 

174 

64 

Sf 

5 

it; 

16 

209 

19S 

Slarks, 

1833 

i,-) 

28 

5 

2 

] 

3 

i 

48 

45 

Avon, 

1836 

i 

3 

1 

1 

i 

15 

10 

BloomGeld  (2d) 

1837 

13 

14 

tf 

j 

j 

2 

2 

42 

30 

Solon, 

1840 

11 

7 

-2 

2 

20 

13 

Norridgewock,  Oak-hill, 

1842 

16 

8 

2 

21 

21 

;- 

to 

2 

5 

~ 

g 

E* 

-. 

— 

•'- 

8 

cS 

•.r 

""* 

m 

"* 

•John  Wheeler,  Ch.  Clk.  Com.  and  Min.  Asio.    |Min.  Asso.  '42  and  '43. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

CUMBERLAND  ASSOCIATION. 

Original  Churches — East  Brunswick,  p.  99  ;  Hebron,  119  ;  First  Buckfieldr 
122;  Paris,  123;  First  Livennore.  135;  New  Gloucester,  147;  Jay,  136; 
Brunswick,  159;  First  Portland,  170;  Second  Buckfield,  177;  North 
Yarmouth,  183 ;  Jefferson  and  Lancaster,  190;  Sumner,  190;  Bethel, 
191 ;  Norway,  204 ;  Minot,  207  :  Freeport,  208  :  Danville,  210 :  Den- 
mark, 213  :  Weld,  214:  Bridgton,  217  :  Hartford,  218. 

Added  between  1811  and  1843 — Bath:  Second  Livennore  :  Waterford  : 
Scarboro' :  Peru  :  Cape  Elizabeth  :  Byron :  Canton  :  Turner :  Poland  : 
Oxford:  Harrison:  Hamlin's  Gore :  Woodstock  :  Village  Church  Bruns- 
wick :  Chebeague  Island :  Free  Street  Portland  :  Harpswell :  Durham  : 
Main  St.  Brunswick. 

TWENTY-TWO  churches  situated  mostly  in  Cumberland 
and  Oxford  Counties,  were  dismissed  from  the  Bowdoin- 
ham  in  1810,  to  form  a  new  Association  west  of  Androscog- 
gin  [river.  Two  new  churches,  second  Livermore  and 
Bath,  united  with  them;  and  the  Cumberland  Association 
was  organized  at  North  Yarmouth,  Oct.  2,  1811.  These 
twenty-four  churches  were  blessed  with  the  ministry  of 
twenty-two  ordained  preachers  and  two  licentiates,  and 
embraced  one  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  com- 
municants. This  Association  adopted  the  same  articles  of 
Faith  and  Covenant,  with  some  verbal  amendments  as  the 
Bowdoinham  and  Lincoln,  and  united  with  them  in  the 
cause  of  Missions  and  Literary  and  Theological  Education. 

The  first  question  proposed  to  this  new  body  was  by  the 
church  in  Hebron,  in  1812  :  '  Can  a  church  by  vote  dis- 
sojve  itself,  otherwise  than  to  join  some  other  church  or 
churches  ?'  This  was  a  question  of  some  importance,  and 
was  referred  to  Eld.  Blood  of  Portland,  for  an  answer.* 
The  answer  submitted  to  and  adopted  by  the  Association 
was  virtually  as  follows  :  A  church  may  dissolve  in  cases 
of  doctrinal  errors  ;  inconvenient  locality  of  its  members ; 

"Min.  C.  1812,  p.  6. 


CUMBERLAND  ASSOCIATION.  4Q7 

and  when  distance  renders  it  impossible  for  its  members 
to  meet  regularly  for  worship,  conference  and  discipline. 
But  in  no  other  case  can  a  church  consistently  vote  its 
own  dissolution.  The  second  question  of  special  impor- 
tance was  submitted  by  the  second  church  in  Livermore. 
Question  :  '  Is  it  scriptural  for  one  church  to  receive  into 
fellowship  a  person  who  has  been  excluded  from  another 
belonging  to  the  same  Association  1'  This  question  was 
referred  to  a  committee  of  three,  Blood,  Boardman,  and 
Titcomb,  to  be  answered  at  the  next  annual  meeting ; 
when  the  following  report  of  the  committee  was  unani- 
mously adopted  :  'Each  church  is  independent  with  respect 
to  discipline.  An  association  of  churches  have  not  power 
to  abrogate  the  censure  of  an  individual  church — there- 
fore, for  one  church  of  the  same  faith  and  order  to  receive 
an  excluded  member  from  another  church  of  the  same 
faith,  order  and  association,  is  contrary  to  order.'  The 
same  decision  upon  a  similar  question  was  given  by  the 
Bowdoinham  Association.  The  subject  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions was  recommended  to  attention  and  liberality  at  the 
meeting  in  1814. 

In  1817,  the  propriety  of  ordaining  deacons,  came  up 
for  decision.  This  query  was  referred  to  the  churches  to 
be  answered  in  their  letters  the  next  year,  and  there  the 
matter  ended.  Upon  the  question, '  What  are  the  measures 
to  be  pursued,  and  the  formalities  to  <be  attended  to,  in 
order  that  a  public  preacher  be  cloathed  with  all  the  au- 
thority and  vested  with  all  the  powers  of  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ?  This  question  grew  out  of  the  custom 
then  being  introduced  of  settling  a  pastor  by  installation. 
A  similar  question  in  1821  was  suggested  by  the  same 
custom.  On  both  occasions  the  answers  were  against  in- 
stallations. In  1823  a  committee  was  raised  to  aid  in 
forming  the  State  Convention.  In  1824  resolutions  were 


408  CUMBERLAND  ASSOCIATION. 

first  passed  on  temperance.  In  1825  a  social  library  was 
recommended  in  each  church.  In  1828  the  churches  in 
Oxford  County  were  set  off,  with  one  or  two  others  in  Cum- 
berland, to  form  the  Oxford  Association.  In  1829,  Bible 
Class  and  Sabbath  School  instruction,  Tract  and  Bible 
Societies,  first  commended  to  the  churches  as  highly  im- 
portant to  their  welfare.  In  1880  Zion's  Advocate  was 
recommended  to  the  patronage  of  the  churches ;  also,  the 
Am.  Colonization  Society  was  noticed  favorably.  In  1832 
the  Association  concurred  with  the  Quarterly  Conference 
in  the  employment  of  a  County  Missionary.  In  1834  res- 
olutions appointing  special  seasons  for  prayer  to  be  observed 
by  the  churches  in  favor  of  ministerial  education  and 
literary  institutions.  In  1835  a  proposal  was  made  to  form 
a  benevolent  Society,  to  assist  aged  ministers  and  relieve 
their  widows  and  orphans.  The  proposal  was  accepted. 
In  1836  the  Christian  Review  was  recommended  to  the 
churches,  and  the  County  Sabbath  School  Union  formed. 
In  1837  the  organization  of  the  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
approved  by  the  Association,  and  Home  Missions  received 
attention.  In  1839  the  following  question  was  referred  to 
a  committee,  viz.  Champlin,  Humphrey,  Jones,  Hart  and 
Ricker  :  '  Are  we  required  by  the  word  of  God  to  acknowl- 
edge and  fellowship  as  sister  churches,  those  whose  mem- 
bers live  in  the  allowed  practice  of  a  heinous  sin  ;  such 
as  holding  their  fellow-men  and  brethren  as  property, 
&c.?'*  In  1840  it  was  resolved  that  it  was  inexpedient 
for  the  Association  to  give  any  advice  on  the  question. 
The  circular  letter  is  dispensed  with,  and  its  place  in  the 
Minutes  is  required  to  be  filled  with  a  brief  history  of  one 
of  the  churches  composing  the  Association.  During  the 
history  of  this  body,  these  churches  have  done  much  for 
the  various  causes  of  benevolence,  for  literature  and  for 

*Min.  C.  A.  1840. 


SECOND  CHURCH  IN  LIVERMORE.  4Q9 

the  promotion  of  an  enlightened  theology  in  our  own  State. 
The  Association  has  also  watched  over  the  several  churches 
with  care  and  diligence.  The  churches,  Bridgton,  Den- 
mark, Brunswick,  Scarboro'  and  Bath,  have  remonstrated 
against  the  interference  of  the  Association  with  particular 
churches.  Chebeague  and  village  church  Brunswick,  have 
received  advantage  from  advice  given  by  committees  sent 
to  them  in  difficulty.  It  has  been  a  prosperous  body.  From 
its  organization  to  the  division  in  1828,  it  was  enlarged  by 
the  additions  of  thirteen  new  churches,  and  embraced  in 
all  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  fourteen  communicants.* 
By  this  division  it  was  reduced  to  twelve  churches,  ten 
ordained  ministers,  and  one  thousand  one  hundred  and 
twenty-two  members.t  Its  present  number  are  fifteen 
churches,  twelve  ordained  ministers,  and  one  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  one  members  ;J  making  an  increase  from 
1829  of  three  churches  and  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
nine  communicants. 

SECOND  LIVERMORE.  Occupying  the  southern  part  of 
(hat  town,  was  organized  with  seventeen  members  in  1811. 
It  was  gathered  by  the  instrumentality  of  Eld.  Ransom 
Norton,  who  became  its  pastor  and  officiated  in  the 
church  till  1826.  In  1819  they  built  a  house  for  worship, 
but  it  was  not  well  located,  and  never  finished.  In  1842, 
they  took  it  down  and  rebuilt  in  a  pleasant  location,  about 
half  a  mile  north  of  North  Turner  Bridge.  It  will  now 
conveniently  accommodate  the  whole  church,  a  part  of 
whom  live  in  North  Turner.  'Their  number  in  '43  was 
thirty-five. 

Since  Eld.  Norton  closed  his  labors  with  this  church 
they  have  had  stated  supplies  a  portion  of  the  time  by 
Elders  W.  Foss  and  Martin  Leonard,  between  the  years 
1826  and  1838,  and  Eld.  Wm.  Johnson  in  1838,  and  Eld. 

*Min  1828.    fMin.  1829.    JMin.  1343. 


410  CHURCH  IN  BATH. 

Jos.  Hutchinson  in  1839  to  '40,  and  from  1842  Eld.  Sam- 
uel Boothby,  half  the  time,  and  the  church  though  small, 
are  nevertheless  encouraged  to  persevere.* 

BATH.  This  town  is  situated  about  twelve  miles  from 
the  sea,  on  the  west  side  of  Kennebec  river,  and  was 
incorporated  in  1780.  It  has  a  large  commercial  village, 
and  is  important  for  its  trade.  The  Congregationalists 
were  operating  here  previous  to  1762;  a  society  was 
formed  in  1767,  and  the  present  first  church  in  1795. 
A  second  Congregational  church  was  formed  in  1805. 
Thus  a  Pedo-baptist  influence  covered  the  whole  ground. 
And  yet,  it  appears  that  previous  to  any  special  move- 
ments by  the  Baptists,  a  few  persons  embraced  their 
faith  and  desired  to  walk  in  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel. 
The  first  ministerial  efforts  were  made  by  Eld.  Jarnes 
Potter.  He  says,t  'In  1783,  I  visited  Bath,  and  enjoyed 
sensible  tokens  of  the  Divine  presence.' 

Towards  the  close  of  the  same  year,  Elder  Case 
preached  in  this  place,  but  it  is  not  certain  that  any 
special  results  followed.  Those  who  became  pious 
Baptists,  and  those  Baptists  who  resided  here  in  the 
days  of  Eld.  Potter's  ministry,  either  united  with  the 
church  at  Harpswell,  or  moved  to  other  places. 

Fqr  some  years  previous  to  the  formation  of  the  church 
in  Bath,  Baptist  preachers,  as,  Elders  Haines,  Mariner, 
Cas.e,  and  Stearns,  preached  to  the  people  occasionally. 
In  July,  1810,  three  persons  were  baptized  by  Elder 
Haines.  Some  revival  influences  followed,  which  led 
the  way  for  the  organization  of  the  church  in  October, 
the  same  year.  The  council  met,  and  the  church  was 
embodied  at  the  dwelling-house  of  Elijah  Low,  who  had 
been,  for  some  years  previous,  the  only  male  Baptist 
in  the  village,  and  who  was  one  of  the  ten  first  united 

in  the  church.J 

"J.  H.'s  Com.  and  Min.  O.  A.    tPotter's  Nar.  p.  23.    tE.  Low's  Com. 


CHURCH  IN  BATH.  41 1 

Prosperity  began  with  the  church.  The  next  day 
after  they  were  embodied,  three  were  baptized  by  Elder 
Stearns;  and  soon  after,  three  more  by  Elder  Mariner. 
December  2d,  they  celebrated  the  Lord's  Supper.  In 
November,  Eld.  Stearns  united  with  them,  and  from 
December  he  officiated  as  their  pastor. 

They  were  amidst  opposing  influences,  had  no  house 
of  worship,  few  in  number,  and  poor  as  to  temporal 
wealth.  They  had  therefore  to  hold  their  church  meet- 
ings in  dwelling  houses,  and  public  meetings  on  the 
Sabbath  in  school-houses,  or  such  as  were  open  to  their 
service.  At  length  they  were  better  accommodated  in 
what  was  called  Nichols'  Hall,  where  they  peaceably 
served  God  till  1817,  when  they  built  a  brick  house,  40 
feet  by  60  feet. 

The  first  general  revival  was  in  1816.  In  .this  work 
their  pastor  was  much  assisted  by  a  travelling  preacher, 
by  the  name  of  Scrivener,  fwho  seemed  to  come  by  the 
direction  and  in  the  Spirit  of  Christ.'  A  large  accession 
was  now  made  to  the  church,  and  the  gradual  increase 
now  became  much  larger  than  before  the  revival.  The 
second  revival  was  in  1825.  In  1834,  a  third  season  of 
special  mercy  was  enjoyed,  and  Eld.  I.  S.  Smith  par- 
ticipated in  the  Jabors  by  which  the  work  was  promoted; 
and  a  small  refreshing  was  experienced  in  1840,  by  Eld. 
Butler's  efforts.  The  church  had  some  trials  about  the 
year  1827,  when  one  of  their  deacons  and  twenty-five 
of  their  members  left  the  church.  But  their  trials  have 
gradually  subsided,  at  the  return  of  some  of  these  erring 
brethren. 

Eld.  Stearns  faithfully  conducted  the  spiritual  affairs 
of  the  church  till  his  death,  August,  1840.  His  life 
and  ministry  were  appreciated,  and  his  death  lamented. 

H.  G.  Nott  became  their  pastor  in  September,  after 


412    WATERFORD— SCARBORO'— PERU— C.  ELIZABETH. 

the  death  of  Mr.  Stearns.  Under  his  labors  this  people 
enjoyed  a  refreshing  revival  in  1842.  They  are  friendly 
to  all  truly  benevolent  objects  of  the  day,  and  aid  them 
by  their  generous  donations.  This  church  has  conferred 
license  on  Henry  Wyer,  John  Wakefield, William  Pat- 
terson, Abraham  H.  Granger,  and  Martin  B.  Anderson. 
Members  in  1843,  two  hundred  and  twenty-six.* 

WATERFORD.  In  1812,  Josiah  Houghton,  alicentiate, 
aided  in  gathering  a  church  of  twelve  members.  But 
it  did  not  prosper,  and  in  1828,  was  lost  from  the  Asso- 
ciation."}" 

SCARBORO'.  A  Baptist  church  was  gathered  in  1818, 
of  fifteen  members.  But  they  were  overcome  by  op- 
posing influences,  and  lost  their  visibility  in  1840. 
They  reported  to  the  Association,  in  1835,  twenty-four 
members.J 

PERU,  (first  called  PLANTATION  No.  1.)  This  town  was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  Peru,  in  1821.  Among  the 
first  settlers'there  were  some  Baptists,  and  in  1818,  a  small 
church  of  nine  members  was  embodied.  Gilbert  Hathaway, 
one  of  its  original  members,  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1821, 
and  was  for  many  years  useful  to  the  church.  He  was  not 
ordained,  and  became  deacon  in  the  church  in  1830,  when 
Eld.  Elias  Nelson  became  their  minister  a  part  of  the  time. 
This  year  it  had  twenty  members.  From  1834  to  1839, 
they  had  but  a  small  amount  of  preaching,  by  L.  Cummings, 
a  licentiate,  and  1840,  S.  S.  Wyman,  a  licentiate,  became 
a  member,  and  preached  occasionally  for  them,  and  in 
1843,  was  ordained  pastor.  It  is  a  feeble  body  of  twenty- 
nine  members.^ 

CAPE  ELIZABETH.  This  church,  with  twenty-four  mem- 
bers, was  organized  in  1820,  and  Eld.  N.  Hooper  was 

*S.  Eames'  Com.Min.  C.  A.  fMin.  C.  A.  1812, 1828.  JMin.  C.  A.  4Min. 
C.  aod  O. 


CHURCH  IN  BYRON— CANTON— TURNER.  413 

placed  over  them  as  pastor.  He  remained  with  them  about 
two  years,  but  the  church  did  little  more  than  maintain 
their  standing.  In  1825,  R.  Curtis  became  their  minister. 
In  1828,  they  were  again  destitute,  with  a  decrease  of 
numbers.  They  have  since  had  no  pastor  and  not  much 
preaching,  They  have  however  built  a  house  of  worship, 
and  are  still  striving  to  sustain  life,  with  22  members.* 

BYRON,  (first  called  No.  8.)  Twenty-one  persons  were 
recognized  as  a  church  of  Christ  in  1820.  Previous  to 
this,  Baptists  had  increased  by  emigration,  and  by  means 
of  occasional  preaching  by  Baptist  ministers.  It  has  never 
had  a  pastor,  and  but  little  of  gospel  preaching.  Elders 
Robert  Mitchell,  A.  Bedel,  and  C.  P.  Branin  have  preached 
here  occasionally.  The  church  has  had  many  trials,  suf- 
fered much  for  want  of  active  piety,  and  been  cheered 
with  but  one  revival.  This  season  of  mercy  was  in  1826, 
when  sixteen  were  added  to  the  church.  Its  present  num- 
ber is  twenty-six. t 

CANTON.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1821,  and  '22 
a  Baptist  church  of  sixteen  members  was  organized.  From 
this  time  till  about  1840,  a  period  of  eighteen  years,  it  expe- 
rienced one  continued  season  of  darkness  and  discourage- 
ment. It  was  small,  had  not  much  strength  in  itself,  had 
no  pastor,  and  very  few  privileges.  During  this  period, 
Dea.  Z.  Harford  was  its  principal  supporter.  A  brighter 
prospect  began  to  appear  in  1840,  and  prosperity  has  since 
cheered  this  feeble  and  afflicted  body.  In  1839,  the  church 
had  eleven  members  only ;  the  present  number  is  forty-six. 
The  labors  of  Eld.  M.  Lawrence,  have  been  much  blessed 
among  this  people,  and  the  church  is  rising  to  be  a  useful 
vine  in  the  Lord's  vineyard.J 

TURNER.  This  town  was  first  called  Sylvester,  in  honor 
of  Capt.  Jos.  Sylvester,  one  of  its  original  proprietors.  It 

*Min.  C.  A.    tMin.  C.  and  O.  A.    JMin.  c.  and  O.  A. 


414  CHURCH  IN  TURNER. 

was  first  settled  in  1775,  and  was  incorporated  by  its  pres- 
ent name  in  1786.*  Religious  efforts  were  made  in  this 
town  by  the  Presbyterians  at  a  very  early  period  of  its 
settlement,  and  a  church  of  their  faith  and  order  was  organ- 
ized in  1784.t  The  Rev.  Mr.  Strickland  was  pastor.t 
Gradually  this  church  lost  its  Presbyterian  character,  and 
in  1803,  a  Congregational  church  took  its  place,  and  con- 
tinues its  influence  in  the  town.  The  Baptists  were  the 
next  to  introduce  the  gospel  into  town.  Between  1791 
and  1793,  Eld.  Potter  made  frequent  visits, to  Turner,  and 
preached  and  baptized  a  few  persons,  who  united  with  the 
church  in  Buckfield,  which  was  embodied  in  '91.  About 
this  time  there  was  much  dissatisfaction  among  the  people 
in  Turner,  with  the  Presbyterians,  on  account  of  the  heavy 
taxes  levied  upon  them  to  support  their  church  operations. 
Baptist  sentiments  beginning  to  have  some  influence  in 
town,  a  society  by  their  name  was  formed  and  incorporated, 
comprising  the  friends  of  the  Baptists  in  Turner  and  Buck- 
field.  But  it  does  not  appear  that  they  secured  much 
preaching  except  by  travelling  preachers,  and  such  occa- 
sional efforts  could  do  but  little  in  Turner,  for  '  at  this 
time,'  says  Eld.  Potter,  '  the  greater  part  of  the  people  in 
Turner  appear  to  be  carried  about  by  various  winds  of 
doctrine.'}  .  .  -,' 

In  1811  Eld.  Lewis  Leonard,  from  Albany,  N.  Y., 
preached  here  a  few  weeks,  and  baptized  two  persons,  and 
in  1816  there  was  an  extensive  revival  in  town  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Congregational  church,  and  ten  of  the  con- 
verts became  Baptists  and  united  with  the  church  inMinot, 
of  which  Elder  Ricker  was  pastor.  Regular  meetings  of 
began  now  to  be  held  by  the  Baptists  in  T.,  and  Elder  R. 
preached  for  them  one  sixth  part  of  the  time  for  two  years. 
The  foundation  was  now  being  laid  for  a  Baptist  church. 
*N.  E.  Gazetteer.  fGreen.  Eccl.  sk.  p.  178,  183.  JE14  Potter's  Nar.  p.  72. 


CHURCH  IN  POLAND— OXFORD.        415 

In  1824,  a  revival  was  experienced  under  the  labors  of 
neighboring  ministers,  but  chiefly  by  the  instrumentalities 
of  Elder  D.  Nutter,  of  Livermore.  A  church  was  now 
embodied  with  twenty  members,  and  soon  additions  were 
made  to  it.  This  year,  too,  A.  Wilson  commenced  preach- 
ing a  part  of  the  time,  and  his  ministry  was  useful  to  this 
infant  church  till  1828.  Since,  this  church  has  employed 
the  following  ministers  either  as  pastors  or  evangelists  ; 
brethren  John  Hull,  Charles  Miller,  W.  O.  Grant,  Josiah 
Houghton,  D.  Hutchinson,  Eliab  Coy,  Thomas  F.  Cur- 
tis and  A.  Wilson.  They  have  had  several  precious  sea- 
sons of  revival,  which  have  increased  their  faith,  their  zeal 
and  their  numbers.  They  have  a  neat  and  commodious 
house  of  worship,  located  in  a  beautiful  and  flourishing 
village.  Their  present  number  is  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
three.* 

POLAND.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1795.  By 
means  of  the  influence  of  Baptist  churches,  Baptist  pro- 
fessors increased  gradually  in  town,  most  of  whom  united 
with  the  church  in  Paris,  or  were  members  of  that  church. 
In  1824  they  were  embodied  into  a  church  consisting  of 
twenty-one  members.  After  struggling  to  maintain  visi- 
bility several  years,  it  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in 
Oxford,  when  that  church  took  the  double  name,  '  Poland 
and  Oxford. 't  This  union  continued  and  the  double  name 
was  retained  till  almost  the  whole  church  and  its  influence 
was  confined  to  Oxford,J  and  then  the  name  Poland  was 
dropped,  and  here  ends  the  Poland  church. 

OXFORD,  (first  called  in  1827,  '  Second  HEBRON.')  The 
church  in  this  town  was  gathered  by  means  of  Baptist  min- 
isters in  adjoining  towns.  It  was  recognized  in  1827,  and 
composed  of  seventeen  members,  most  of  whom  had  pre- 

*A.  Pettengill's  Com.  and  Min.  C.  and  O.  A.  fMin.  O.  A.  1837.  JMin. 
O.  A.  1840. 


416       HARRISON— HAMLIN'S  GRANT— WOODSTOCK. 

viously  belonged  to  the  churches  in  Paris  and  Hebron,  and 
was  then  called  second  Hebron,  but  took  the  name  Oxford, 
in  1829.  It  has  ever  been  a  small  and  feeble  church,  and 
has  labored  under  some  peculiar  disadvantages.  But  bless- 
ed with  more  preaching  than  the  church  in  Poland,  they 
had  greater  prosperity.  In  1837,  the  church  in  Poland 
united  with  this ;  but  the  cause  was  still  more  prosperous 
in  Oxford,  and  their  name  was  dropped  in  1840.  Eld.  R. 
C.  Starr  was  its  first  pastor,  and  Eld.  Timothy  Bailey  in 
1843.  Their  prospect  is  good,  and  they  hope  that  their 
labor  will  not  be  in  vain.  Their  number  is  forty -five.* 

HARRISON.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1805. 
The  first  Baptists  here  were  united  with  the  church  in 
Bridgton.  In  1827,  a  church  of  twenty-two  members 
was  organized.  In  1835,  they  were  enlarged  and  cheered 
by  a  precious  revival.  In  1837  and  1838,  Elder  R.  C. 
Starr  devoted  one  half  of  his  ministry  to  them,  and  was 
considered  their  bishop.  This  increased  their  number 
to  sixty-three.  Levi  Burnham  was  ordained  June  21, 
1843.| 

HAMLIN'S  GRANT,  or  HAMLIN'S  GORE.  A  church  by 
this  name  was  constituted  in  February,  1828.  Several 
of  its  original  members  had  previously  been  members 
of  the  church  in  Paris.  Ransom  Dunham  has  been 
their  pastor  since  1835.  Their  number  is  ninety-seven. \ 

WOODSTOCK  AND  GREENWOOD.  This  church  was 
gathered,  with  thirty-five  members,  in  1828.  In  1843, 
they  enjoyed  a  portion  of  the  labors  of  Elder  Reuben 
Milner,  and  were  much  revived.  Their  number  is 
thirty-eight. § 

VILLAGE  CHURCH,  BRUNSWICK,  was  constituted  in 
1829,  and  was  dropped  from  the  Association  in  1839.|| 

*Min.O.  A.    tMin.  C.  and  O.  A.    JMin.  O.  A. Eld.  R.  Dunham's  Com. 
§Min.  C.  and  O.  Asso.    ||Min.  C.  Asso. 


CHURCH  IN  CHEBEAGUE  ISLAND— HARPSWELL.   417 

CHEBEAGUE  ISLAND  forms  a  portion  of  the  boundary 
of  Portland  harbor.  Methodists  have  exerted  an  influ- 
ence here  for  many  years.  In  1828  and  '29,  a  general 
revival  of  religion  extended  its  influence  over  the  island, 
and  some  of  the  converted  became  Baptists.  In  1830, 
a  church  was  constituted  of  eighteen  members.  They 
have  erected  a  house  for  worship,  but  it  was  not  finished, 
in  1843.  Their  number  is  thirty-one.* 

HARPSWELL,  first  called  HARPSWELL  NECK.  This 
church  was  constituted  of  eighteen  members,  living  on 
what  is  called  Harpswell  Neck  and  on  Sabasdegan 
island,  in  1827.  In  1831,  when  they  united  with  the 
Cumberland  Association,  the  church  had  thirty  mem- 
bers. In  1836,  they  built  a  convenient  house  of  worship, 
at  a  cost  of  $1 100.  Their  numbers  have  gradually 
increased,  and  some  precious  seasons  of  revival.  Elds. 
Kendall,  Starr,  Norton,  and  Butler,  have  labored  here. 
Their  number  is  seventy-six. f 

FREE  STREET  CHURCH,  PORTLAND.  Almost  from  the 
commencement  of  the  Baptists  in  the  city  of  Portland, 
they  have  been  blessed  of  God  with  an  interesting  pros- 
perity. An  annual  increase,  together  with  additions  by 
repeated  revivals,  gave  to  the  first  church,  in  1835,  the 
number  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-two  members. 
The  congregation  who  usually  met  with  them  had  become 
so  numerous  that  their  house  of  worship  had  become 
'too  strait.'  Under  these  circumstances  it  was  deemed 
an  important  duty  that  the  church  be  divided,  that 
thereby  they  might  extend  their  exertions.  Immedi- 
ately, therefore,  arrangements  were  made  to  form  an- 
other church,  and  open  a  second  place  of  worship. 

The  place  chosen  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  church, 
was  'Portland  Theatre.'  It  was  purchased  by  the  Bap- 

"Min.  C.  A.  and  D.  Morse,  Ch.  Clk.  Com.    tMin.  C.  Asso. 


418  FREE  ST.  PORTLAND— DURHAM,  S.  W.  B. 

lists,  December,  1835,  and  soon  converted  into  a  house 
for  the  worship  of  God.  Its  location  is  pleasant,  being 
on  Free  street,  near  the  centre  of  the  city.  The  next 
month,  fifty-seven  persons,  mostly  from  the  first  church, 
were  recognized,  January,  1836,  as  the  'Free  Street 
Church,  Portland.5  Thus  commenced  a  second  interest 
in  the  Baptist  cause  in  Portland;  and  that  this  movement 
was  pleasing  to  the  God  in  Zion,  the  subsequent  history 
of  this  church  shows.  Jan.,  1837,  Thomas  O.  Lincoln 
became  its  first  pastor.  This  connexion  continued  har- 
moniously till  September,  1841.  During  his  ministry 
the  church  had  uninterrupted  prosperity.  Two  signal 
revivals  were  experienced — the  first  in  1837,  and  the 
second  in  1840 — and  the  last  was  to  the  first,  like  latter 
to  the  former  rain.  In  this  season  of  mercy,  one  hun- 
dred and  sixteen  souls  were  hopefully  gathered  into  the 
fold  of  Christ. 

Besides  several  benevolent  societies,  there  are  con- 
nected with  this  church  two  large  and  flourishing  Sab- 
bath schools.  In  February,  1842,  Rev.  Lewis  Colby 
became  its  second  pastor.  By  his  ministry  the  prosperity 
of  the  church  continued.  While  the  first  church  has 
been  moving  on  in  its  path  of  general  usefulness,  and 
has  increased  to  a  total  of  members  nearly  as  large  as 
when  the  church  was  set  off,  this  second,  the  offspring 
of  the  first,  has  had  a  more  rapid  numerical  growth.  It 
has  a  total  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-six.  This  is  an 
active  body  of  Baptists,  and  promises  much  usefulness 
to  the  cause  of  God  in  the  world.* 

DURHAM,  S.  W.  BEND.  The  church  in  Durham, 
located  at  what  is  called  'South  West  Bend,'  was  con- 
stituted in  1838.  They  have  had  a  pleasing  progress, 
and  several  refreshing  seasons  from  the  presence  of  the 

*Min.  C.  A.  and  M.  F.  Whitter,  Ch.  Clk.Com. 


MAIN  STREET  BRUNSWICK. 


419 


Lord.     They  are  united  and  persevering.     They  have 
increased  from  twenty-two  to  forty-two.* 

MAIN  STREET,  BRUNSWICK.  In  the  early  part  of 
1840,  a  very  extensive  revival  was  witnessed  in  Topsham, 
which  spread  into  Brunswick.  In  October  of  that  year, 
thirty-eight  persons,  mostly  from  the  church  in  Topsham, 
but  who  lived  in  Brunswick,  were  embodied  into  a 
church.  They  had  previously  completed  a  house  of 
worship,  in  a  central  part  of  the  village,  and  containing 
seventy-five  pews.  P.  S.  Adams  was  their  pastor  about 
two  years. f  In  1843,  they  had  increased  to  one  hundred 
and  seven  members.  [D.  C.  Haines  is  their  present 
pastor.] 

CUMBERLAND  ASSOCIATION.. .TABULAR  VIEW. 


3 

C 

B 

re 

f 

O 

S 

X 

C 

—  . 

b 

^ 

^ 

-d 
3 

ORGANIZED  1835. 

2T 
et> 

3 

'^ 

"§. 

s' 

c 

1. 

— 
i 

5 

C 

^ 

a> 

| 

2 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

O 

3 

? 

o 

a. 

i. 

o 
a. 

& 

:£. 

'SK 

0 

2; 
p 

*East  Brunswick, 

1785131 

201 

7 

5 

52 

si 

50 

"2 

>  M| 

83 

New  Gloucester, 

1795 

12 

194 

25 

2 

57 

u 

36 

8 

2.il 

114 

North  Yarmouth, 

1797 

7 

316 

36 

:•> 

120 

42 

65 

22 

159 

215 

1st  Brunswick, 

1799 

8 

402 

20 

21 

130 

10.) 

()7 

13 

UO 

111 

Portland, 

1801 

10 

520 

117 

7 

199 

•it 

r, 

98 

>;{ 

643 

267 

Auburn,  (Minot  till  1843) 

1807 

27 

196 

25 

5 

51 

1!* 

27 

59 

2HI 

87 

Freeport, 

1807 

17 

311 

22 

4 

59 

31 

4 

3t 

19 

;.-)0 

207 

Danville,  (Pejopscot) 

1808 

,-)i; 

118 

12J12 

51 

30| 

32 

13 

186 

72 

Bath, 

1810 

10 

484 

10535 

162 

143 

10 

56 

37 

599 

226 

Cape  Elizabeth, 

1820 

,H 

5 

4 

8 

4 

5 

4| 

43 

22 

Harpswell, 

1827 

If! 

59 

5 

Z 

4 

S 

S 

3 

82 

76 

Chebeagtie  Island, 

1830 

l.'i 

20 

4 

6 

S 

J 

2 

I'1 

31 

Free-St  Portland, 

1836 

;>7 

229 

59 

51 

5 

21 

3 

146 

276 

Durham,  S  W.  Bend, 

1838 

11 

13 

12 

3 

'  1' 

'2 

1 

17 

42 

Brunswick,  Main-St 

1840 

.;:; 

34 

38 

4 

2 

2 

fi 

107 

;-- 

w 

1 

~ 

CJT 

Cn 

a 

g 

J3 

— 

M 

— 

*Old  Harpswell. 

i 

-3 

c 

•? 

v- 

8 

% 

"Min.  Con.  and  letters  to  the  Asso. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

OXFORD  ASSOCIATION. 

Original  Churches— Hebron,  119:  First  Buckfield,  122  :  Paris,  123  :  First 
Livermore,  135:  Second  Buckfield,  177 :  Sumner,  190:  Bethel,  191: 
Norway,  204 :  Denmark,  213 :  Weld,  214  :  Bridgton,  217  :  Hartford, 
218:  Second  Livermore,  409 :  Peru,  412:  Byron,  413:  Canton,  413  : 
Turner,  413 :  Harrison,  416  :  Hamlin's  Gore,  416  :  Woodstock,  416. 

Added  between  1828  and  1843 — Paris  and  Woodstock  :  Second  Brunswick  : 
Second  Bath  :  Sweden  :  Andover :  Rumford  :  Rumford  and  Milton. 

PREVIOUS  to  the  formation  of  this  Association,  the 
Cumberland  embraced  almost  all  the  churches  within 
the  counties  of  Cumberland  and  Oxford.  In  1839,  it 
was  mutually  agreed  to  divide  the  Association  by  the  line 
separating  these  counties,  with  liberty  to  the  churches 
in  Harrison  and  Bridgton  to  unite  with  those  in  Oxford. 

Agreeable  to  this  arrangement,  nineteen  churches  in 
Oxford,  &c.,  met  at  Turner,  September  30,  1829,  and 
organized  the  Oxford  Association.  With  these  churches 
were  eleven  ordained  ministers,  four  licentiates,  and 
one  thousand  one  hundred  and  thirty  communicants. 
Three  churches,  with  one  ordained  minister,  were 
received  this  session:  Paris  and  Woodstock,  Second 
Brunswick,  and  Second  Bath.  Several  new  churches 
have  since  united  with  this  body,  and  cheering  additions 
have  been  made  to  all  these  churches,  so  that,  although 
it  lost  three  churches:  First  Buckfield,  Second  Bruns- 
wick, and  Second  Bath,  and  individual  members  by 
dismissions,  &c.,  it  contained,  in  1843,  twenty-four 
churches,  twenty-two  ordained  ministers,  seven  licentiate 
preachers,  and  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty- 
two  members;  thus  showing  a  net  increase,  in  fourteen 
years,  of  seven  hundred  and  thirty-two  members. 

Like  the  older  Associations,  this  body  has  entered 
into  the  works  and  causes  of  benevolence,  with  spirit 


SECOND  BRUNSWICK— SECOND  BATH— SWEDEN.      421 

and  zeal,  with  resolutions  and  efforts,  and  with  much 
prayer  and  faith.  In  1831,  a  vote,  expressing  the  thanks 
of  this  body  to  the  Cumberland  Association,  for  their 
liberality  in  presenting  to  Oxford  their  interest  in  the 
social  library,  owned  by  the  two  bodies.  In  1833,  a 
vote  was  passed,  recommending  to  the  members  of  the 
churches  the  discontinuance  of  mourning  apparel,  as  a 
practice  useless  and  expensive.  In  1839,  it  was  recom- 
mended that  each  pastor  supply  one  week  of  missionary 
labor  among  the  destitute.  As  with  other  Associations, 
so  here  are  societies  for  missions  and  other  purposes, 
Sabbath  schools,  and  two  quarterly  conferences.  It  is 
a  united  and  influential  body. 

PARIS  AND  WOODSTOCK.  This  church  embraced 
members  living  in  Paris  and  Woodstock,  a  part  of  whom 
were  previously  members  of  the  church  in  Paris.  It 
was  organized  March,  1827,  and  in  September  it  had 
twenty-fiv6  members.  In  1833,  in  connexion  with  the 
Methodists,  they  built  a  house  of  worship.  Here  they 
worship  a  part  of  the  time.  In  1839,  they  were  blessed 
with  a  revival,  which  added  twelve  to  their  number,  and 
another  in  1842,  the  influences  of  which  remained  in 
1843.  Their  number  was  sixty-eight.* 

SECOND  BRUNSWICK  was  constituted  about  1826. 
From  1827  to  1840,  Eld.  Shimuel  Owen  was  its  pastor. 
In  1841,  the  Association  advised  their  disbanding  and 
uniting  with  other  churches.f 

SECOND  BATH.  This  organization  was  an  unwise 
procedure.  It  never  had  evidence  of  the  approbation 
of  God,  and  lost  its  name  and  place  in  1830,  about  three 
years  after  it  was  recognized. 

SWEDEN.     A  small  church  of  about  a  dozen  members 

»Min.  O.  A.,  and  Eld.  R.  Donham's  Com.        fMin.  O.  A.  1840. 
19 


422     ANDOVER— RUMFORD— RUMFORD,  &Cf. 

was  organized  in  Sweden,  in  1834;  but  it  was  dissolved! 
in  1837.* 

ANDOVER.  This  is  in  the  north  part  of  Oxford  county, 
and  was  incorporated  as  early  as  1804.  A  Congrega- 
tional church  was  established  here  in  1800.  The  in- 
crease of  population  has  been  comparatively  slow;  in 

1840,  it  had  551   inhabitants  only.     In  1834,  a  church 
of  ten  members,  who  had  previously  belonged  to  other 
Baptist  churches,  was  constituted.    In  September,  1835, 
the  ordinance  of  baptism  was  first  administered  in  town, 
to  two  persons,  by  Elder  Walter  Foss,   of  Leeds.     In 

1841,  Leonard  Kingsley,  one  of  their  deacons,  was  or- 
dained pastor.     They  have  a  school  house   only  for  a 
place  of  worship.     Their  number  is  thirty-four. "\ 

RUMFORD.  This  town  was  incorporated  in  1800,  and 
in  1803,  a  Congregational  church  was  organized.  In 
1836,  a  Baptist  church  was  gathered,  with  but  six  mem- 
bers. It  has  occasional  preaching  by  neighboring  min- 
isters. Two  of  their  number  have  become  preachers: 
Daniel  Richmond  and  Isaac  Whittmore.J 

RUMFORD  AND  MILTON.  A  church  of  fourteen  mem- 
bers, and  called  'Rumford  and  Milton,'  was  embodied 
in  1843.* 

*Min.  O.  A.  1837,  p.  5.  fMin.  O.  A,  and  Moses  Cutting.  JMin.  O.  A. 
and  Eld.  B.  Donham's  com. 


OXFORD  ASSOCIATION— LOST  CHURCHES. 


423 


OXFORD  ASSOCIATION.. .TABULAR  VIEW. 


C 

K 

r 

r~ 

O 

O 

o 

— 

ORGANIZED  1829. 

|s 

s' 

c_ 
2 

0 

1 

X 

-o 

re 

o 

a, 

3 
— 
— 

i 

V 

B' 

o 

re 

•3 

CHURCHES  IN  1843. 

re 

P-g 

p 

re 

'£. 

I 
z. 

re" 

a. 

a 

p- 

p 

a 

p 

Hebron,  (1st  Shepherdsfi'ld) 
Paris, 

1791 
1791 

13 

28 

403 
438 

28 
30 

B 
3 

1)1 
115 

45 

46 

50 

16 

BO 

444 

496 

257 
201 

Livermore,  1st. 

1793 

17 

376 

(il 

11 

205 

130 

••>:; 

6 

454 

73 

Bethel, 

1795 

7 

174 

24 

(i 

Hi 

34 

11) 

10 

205 

132 

Buckfield,  (2d  church) 

1802 

1!! 

105 

10 

1) 

38 

29 

16 

86 

133 

52 

Suinner, 

1804 

18 

120 

12 

(1 

55 

33 

22 

35 

180 

112 

Denmark, 

1804 

32 

58 

16 

3 

13 

11 

11 

13 

106 

61 

Norway, 

1806 

10 

54 

17 

1 

VJ 

10 

8 

5j  81 

50 

Weld, 

1809 

49 

122 

19 

17 

40 

86 

21 

in 

200 

52 

Bridgton, 

1807 

81191 

26 

10 

69 

42 

32 

35 

225 

57 

Hartford, 

1810 

18 

159 

35 

9 

85 

26 

18 

24 

212 

68 

Livermore,  2d, 

1811 

17 

49 

Hi 

2 

22 

17 

15 

6 

82 

35 

Peru,  (first  No.  1,) 

1818 

9 

31 

10 

3 

8 

11 

3 

2 

50 

29 

Byron,  (first  No.  »,) 

1820 

21 

42 

11 

1 

11 

23 

4 

!! 

74 

26 

Canton, 

1822 

16 

35 

21 

1 

s 

10 

6 

2 

72 

46 

Turner, 

1824 

20 

121 

10 

1 

36 

14 

13 

13 

181 

133 

Harrison, 

1827 

22 

52 

11 

12 

8 

7 

2 

88 

63 

Oxford, 

1827 

17 

20|36 

1( 

7 

6 

1 

-1 

73 

45 

Hamlin's  Gore, 

1828 

36 

66 

27 

• 

8 

6 

H 

128 

97 

Woodstock  &  Greenwood, 

1828 

35 

22 

.5 

M 

4 

5 

1 

66 

38 

Paris  and  Woodstock, 

1827 

25 

41 

13 

11 

3 

;! 

9 

79 

68 

Andover, 

1834 

10 

20 

12 

c 

42 

34 

Rumford, 

1836 

li 

17 

] 

1 

23 

19 

Rumford  and  Milton, 

1843 

11 

14 

14 

~ 

3 

±1 

tc 

'P 

Cj 

u 

-_> 

"- 

M 

M 

j-> 

CO 

^j 

w 

<£ 

C 

o 

cr> 

CO 

IS 

O 

r 

C 

X? 

- 

?3     O 

- 

w 

- 

CHURCHES  LOST 

Oq 
| 

0 

jj' 

-5 

N 

re 

re 

c 

3_ 

'.< 

-z 

re 
— 

3 

— 
— 

~r. 

a 

o_ 

re 

3" 
0 

a 

PREVIOUS  TO  1843. 

N' 

re 
Q. 

J 

n 

— 

1_ 

a 

a. 

£. 

a 

a 

2 
p 

r 

o 

e 

r 

Kittery, 

1682  1683|  * 

* 

* 

Bowdoinham,  1st 

1784 

1840 

137 

15 

•  8 

55 

B 

20 

2() 

152 

19 

Litchfield,  2d 

1791 

1838 

21 

23S 

7 

2 

« 

79 

J5 

.)! 

242 

47 

Buxion, 

1799 

1833 

11 

l-lli 

5 

B8 

21 

20 

168 

26 

Gorham, 

1768 

link. 

Whitefield,lst  Ballstown 

1789 

1830 

15 

336 

3 

2 

.50 

16 

u 

45 

254 

105 

Buckfield,  1st 

1791 

1841 

17 

HI 

10 

2 

,il 

11) 

1.', 

8 

121 

12 

Lancaster, 

1804 

1829 

# 

108 

1 

,il 

12 

4 

23 

109 

33 

Norlhport, 
Keunebunk,  1st 

1807 
1803 

1828 
1828 

37 
28 

in 
99 

17 

11 

4 
6 

20 

49    14 
121    21 

Berwick,  2d 

1804 

1834 

76 

-1 

12 

12 

21 

164 

139 

Berwick,  3d 

1808 

1824 

11 

6 

3 

20 

14 

Monmouth, 

1810 

1822 

1!) 

19 

7 

2 

3 

2 

38 

24 

Mt.  Vernon,  2d 
Chesterville, 

1814 
1820 

1817 
1839 

20 

11 

15 

i 

1) 

4 

4 

8 

46 

8 
30 

*Un  known. 


324 


GENERAL  OPERATIONS. 


LOST  CHURCHES  CONTINUED. 


Norridgewock,  2d 

182811831  18 

2 

1  201  20 

Castine, 

1812 

1816113 

13 

13 

Monlville,  2d 

1812 

1832  '33 

17 

-*! 

:; 

18 

11 

0 

31 

66 

31 

Ellsworth, 

1828 

1837 

!'.» 

3 

1 

2 

6 

80 

12 

Beddingtou, 

1838 

1811 

].; 

13 

13 

Kirkland, 

1829 

1838 

i  : 

20 

2 

1 

6 

6 

1 

34 

21 

No.  8, 

1829 

1831 

8 

2 

3 

1 

1 

f 

l 

'21 

15 

Blanchard, 

1828 

1837 

30 

12 

1 

3 

i 

1 

3 

42 

29 

*Foxcroft, 

1832 

1842 

HI 

20 

13 

1 

16 

'2 

I 

to. 

33 

Fairfield, 

1831 

1837 

20 

2 

:: 

9 

30 

27 

Scarborough, 

1818 

1840 

15 

22 

8 

11 

', 

i> 

!.-) 

25 

Waterford, 

1812 

1828 

1'j 

5 

.; 

s 

] 

•3 

4 

20 

10 

fPoland, 

1824 

1840 

?] 

3 

1 

3 

2fi 

22 

Brunswick,  2d 

1827 

1841 

43 

11 

11 

2 

2 

21 

16 

7 

63 

23 

Bath,2d 

1827 

1830 

28!     1 

9 

2!) 

26 

Sweden, 

1884 

1837 

12;        2 

2 

1 

2 

15 

13 

Brighton,  (North  Hill) 

1818 

1832  13|     9 

8 

2 

3 

1 

30 

24 

Phillips, 

1813 

1822I14'     3 

1 

3 

1 

4 

18 

10 

Lee, 

1811 

1816 

II 

1 

12 

12 

Malta,  2d 

1819 

1822 

is 

4 

:I 

2 

1 

20 

19 

Brooksville  2d, 

1816 

1834 

36 

3 

1 

8 

:: 

9 

I 

HI 

22 

Prospect, 

1817 

1836 

11 

16 

7 

l 

a 

i 

6 

34 

20 

Village  Ch.  Brunswick,  p.  416,    1st  Newfield,  p.  56,    2d  Newfield,  p.  57, 
1st  Sidney,  p.  116. 

*A  part  joined  the  Foxcroft  and  Dover  Ch.         fUnited  with  Oxford. 


GENERAL   OPERATIONS, 


THE  first  efforts  made  by  Baptist  ministers  in  the  State 
were  characterized  by  a  missionary  spirit.  They  saw  a 
wide  and  fast  opening  field  before  them — a  field,  too,  filled 
with  immortal  beings  under  the  influence  of  sin  and  Satan, 
checked  in  their  downward  course  to  ruin  only  by  an  Ar- 
minian  gospel.  They  felt  for  the  salvation  of  their  souls; 
and  with  a  zeal  fired  by  the  spirit  which  warmed  the  hearts 
and  cheered  on  the  apostles,  like  ijiem,  they  went  every- 
where preaching  the  Word. 

Although  it  has  been  said  of  them  that  they  were  in 
doctrine  'Ityper-Calvinistic,'  there  is  evidence  that  they 
understood  their  pious  and  ministerial  responsibilities. 
They  were  working  men,  and  taught  the  indispensibleness 
of  practical  as  well  as  experimental  piety.*  In  1789,  the 
York  Association  numbered  six  churches  and  four  ordained 
ministers  ;  and  the  Bowdoinham  Association,  six  churches 
and  four  ordained  ministers.  And  the  number  of  members 

*>Iin.  Bow.  Asso.  1798— Circular  Letter. 


GENERAL  OPERATIONS.  425 

belonging  to  these  churches  did  not  exceed  five  hundred, 
and  yet  their  own  peculiar  constituency,  and  their  relation 
to  the  widening  uncultivated  fields  about  them,  necessarily 
required  a  more  systematic  plan  of  missionary  labor  on  the 
part  of  the  ministers.  This  necessity  was  perceived  by  the 
ministers  in  the  Bowdoinharn  Association,  and  at  their 
annual  meeting,  1789,  they  adopted  the  plan  of  'voluntary 
supplies  to  the  destitute.'  To  sustain  this  plan  of  mis- 
sionary effort,  the  supplying  preacher  pledged  himself  to 
supply  a  certain  destitute  church  or  churches  with  preach- 
ing, on  some  specified  Sabbath  or  Sabbaths,  within  the 
ensuing  Associational  year.  This  plan  was  adopted  by  the 
ministers  in  York,  1798;  in  Lincoln  and  in  Cumberland, 
at  the  time  of  their  organization.  This  enterprise  was 
carried  forward  with  a  zeal  and  perseverance  which  reflects 
praise  and  honor  upon  those  early  Baptist  pioneers  in  the 
State. 

It  was,  however,  soon  discovered  that  this  plan  was  rap- 
idly accumulating  a  vast  amount  of  labors  on  the  hands  of 
the  ministry,  to  be  borne  by  them  alone,  without  the  aid 
and  support  of  a  co-operating  church ;  that  the  abilities 
and  energies  of  the  growing  churches  were  not  brought 
into  the  missionary  field.  In  order,  therefore,  to  bring  the 
churches  into  the  missionary  work,  another  plan  of  opera- 
tion was  adopted  by  the  Bowdoinham  Association,  in  1799, 
to  be  called  the  'gospel  mission,'  and  by  the  York  Associa- 
tion in  1800.  This  plan  consisted  in  the  appointment  of 
a  committee,  'to  employ  a  suitable  ordained  Elder  as  a 
missionary,  to  travel  into  the  eastern  parts,  to  preach  and 
administer  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.'  And  the  churches 
were  requested  to  sustain  by  their  liberalities  the  missionary 
thus  appointed.  This  plan  interfered  not  with  the  plan  of 
voluntary  supplies.  It  contemplated  a  wider  range  of 
missionary  effort.  It  was  designed  to  carry  the  gospel  not 
only  to  the  destitute  churches,  but  to  the  new  and  distant 
settlements,  where  Christ  was  not  preached  to  those  who 
sat  in  darkness. 

Only  a  few  years,  however,  elapsed  before  it  was  clearly 
seen  that  the  operations  of  both  these  plans  were  quite 
inadequate  to  meet  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  churches, 
which  were  fast  multiplying  in  the  midst  of  a  rapidly  in- 
creasing community.  New  openings  were  made  and  new 
settlements  planted  annually,  and  in  every  part  of  our  ter- 


426  GENERAL  OPERATIONS. 

ritory.  With  this  view,  the  Bowdoinham  Association,  at 
its  eighteenth  anniversary,  1804,  and  before  its  first  division, 
deemed  it  necessary  that  a  more  general  and  systematic 
plan  of  missionary  operations  should  be  formed,  in  order 
that  the  entire  field  lying  before  these  ministers  and 
churches,  and  now  open  to  them,  might  be  successfully 
occupied.  'The  Maine  Baptist  Missionary  Society'  was 
therefore  now  formed.  With  this  society  nearly  the  whole 
denomination  co-operated.  To  its  untiring  efforts  'to  ren- 
der assistance  to  feeble  churches,  and  to  sustain  the  preach- 
ing of  the  gospel  in  destitute  regions,'  the  Baptists  owe 
much  of  their  almost  unexampled  prosperity.  Missionaries, 
by  its  direction  and  support,  were  constantly  employed  in 
various  sections  of  the  State,  whose  faithful  efforts,  together 
with  the  faithful  labors  of  the  pastors,  gave  an  astonishingly 
rapid  increase  of  churches  and  communicants  to  the  de- 
nomination. 

This  society  moved  on  increasing  in  ability  and  influence 
annually,  sending  help  to  the  feeble  churches,  and  the  gos- 
pel into  destitute  places,  until  the  domestic  field  was  aided 
by  the  'Baptist  State  Convention,'  organized  at  Winthrop, 
June  23,  1824.  In  1825,  this  Convention  assumed  the 
responsibilities  of  the  Domestic  Missionary  enterprise,  so 
that  for  several  years  the  old  'Missionary  Society'  had  but 
little  more  to  do,  or  did  but  little  more,  than  to  look  on 
and  view  the  works  and  successes  of  the  Convention. 

This  Convention  was  composed  of  delegates  elected  by 
the  Associations,  each  Association  being  allowed  to  send 
one  delegate  for  every  fifteen  churches;  also  of  delegates 
elected  by  churches  and  missionary  societies,  each  being 
entitled  to  one  delegate  for  every  fifteen  dollars  paid  into 
the  treasury  of  the  Convention.  • 

This  Convention  was  an  important  organization  in  the 
Baptist  denomination.  It  was,  and  is  in  its  present  form 
of  organization,  the  uniting  and  concentrating  organ  of 
general  operation.  Here,  matters  of  important  interest, 
as  regards  the  prosperity,  union  and  peace  of  the  denomi- 
nation in  the  State,  and  as  regards  the  general  operations 
of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  throughout  the  world,  are  mu- 
tually and  piously  deliberated  and  discussed.  And  by  the 
decisions,  resolutions  and  recommendations  of  this  en- 
lightened body  of  Baptists,  the  cause  of  evangelical  truth 
and  righteousness  has  been  eminently  promoted ;  and  by 


GENERAL  OPERATIONS.  327 

their  missionaries,  under  God,  many  souls  have  been  con- 
verted to  Christ,  and  brought  under  the  influence  of  his 
love ;  some,  now  large,  flourishing  and  influential  churches, 
have  been  gathered  and  established  in  gospel  order,  and 
many  other  churches,  once  small  and  feeble,  have  been 
enlarged,  strengthened  and  encouraged  to  perseverance. 

In  1842,  the  Convention,  owing  to  some  peculiar  em- 
barrassments arising  from  the  accumulated  and  ever  en- 
larging work,  and  to  the  increasing  amount  of  other 
business  coming  annually  under  its  cognizance  and  man- 
agement, transferred  back  to  the  Maine  Missionary  Society 
the  responsibility  of  conducting  and  carrying  forward  the 
Domestic  Missionary  enterprise.  So  that  the  present  de- 
sign of  the  Convention  is,  to  concentrate  the  influence  of 
the  Baptists  in  the  cause  of  Christ;  to  cultivate  Christian 
acquaintance,  to  communicate  intelligence  respecting  the 
state  of  religion  in  the  churches,  and  to  gather  statistics 
of  the  denomination.  It  is  now  composed  of  every  regu- 
larly ordained  Baptist  minister  in  the  State,  and  each  As- 
sociation may  send  one  delegate  for  every  five  churches. 

The  Maine  Domestic  Missionary  Society  has  entered 
upon  its  appropriate  work  with  renewed  energy  and  vigi- 
lance, and  is  fast  increasing  its  means  and  resources  of 
usefulness.  To  increase  its  pecuniary  ability,  the  consti- 
tution of  the  society  was  so  amended  that  any  person  may 
become  an  annual  member,  by  the  payment  of  one  dollar; 
and  a  life  member,  by  the  payment  of  $20  at  one  time : 
and  any  church,  society,  or  Association,  may  send  one 
delegate,  by  contributing  $5  to  the  funds  of  the  society, 
and  an  additional  delegate  for  every  additional  $10.  The 
business  of  this  society  is  conducted  by  a  Board  of  Trus- 
tees selected  from  the  members ;  and  to  facilitate  their 
labors,  the  State  is  divided  into  three  Districts  :  Western, 
Eastern  and  Central ;  and  the  trustees  in  each  district  are 
organized  into  a  sectional  board,  for  convenience,  to  trans- 
act the  business  of  the  society  coming  within  that  district. 
By  this  arrangement,  the  wants  of  churches,  and  the  con- 
dition of  the  destitute,  are  better  known,  and  the  means 
of  the  society  are  the  more  promptly  and  appropriately 
applied  to  meet  the  design  of  the  enterprise.  It  holds  an 
annual  meeting  in  connection  with  the  Convention,  when 
the  board  make  a  report  of  the  state,  condition,  labors 
and  successes  of  the  society.  Besides  these  missionary 


428  GENERAL  OPERATIONS. 

plans  and  operations,  there  have  existed  and  do  now  exist 
other  smaller  societies,  connected  with  the  Associations 
and  churches,  which  have  occupied  some  smaller  fields,  of 
their  own  choosing,  and  have  rendered  great  good  to  the 
cause  of  Christ  in  the  State.  Several  of  the  Quarterly 
Conferences  are  doing  much  for  the  destitute  within  their 
limits,  and  in  this  way  aid  the  work  of  the  Domestic  Mis- 
sionary Society. 

Besides  these  domestic  operations,  the  Baptists  in  Maine 
have  aided,  by  their  prayers  and  liberalities,  the  Foreign 
Mission  cause,  as  conducted  by  the  Baptist  Board  for  For- 
eign Missions.     As  soon  as  the  Baptist  General  Convention 
was  formed,  at  Philadelphia,  April,  1814,    a  spirit  for  the 
foreign  enterprise  was  awakened  among  the  Baptists  in  this 
State.     At  their  annual  meetings  for  that  year,  the  Asso- 
ciations began  to  operate  in  favor  of  the  cause,  by  con- 
tributing  to   the  funds  of  the  board,  and  by  earnestly 
recommending  to  the  churches  to  form  societies  for  the 
same  liberal  purpose.     And  this  appeal  was  heard  by  many 
of  the  churches ;  missionary  societies  were  formed,  and 
pleasing  contributions  were  made  to  aid  in  sending  the 
word  of  life  to  the  heathen.    As  the  denomination  increased, 
the  spirit  of  missions  became  more  general ;  and,   as  the 
operations  of  the  Foreign  Board  were  annually  enlarged, 
the  necessary  means  to  sustain  them  were  also  to  be  pro- 
portionally accumulated  ;  the  Baptists  in  Maine  therefore 
felt  sacredly  called  upon  to  enlarge  their  efforts  in  the  work. 
To  do  this,  a  more  general   and  simultaneous  movement 
was  made  in  1825  and  '26,  by  forming  in  the  several  coun- 
ties, large  societies,  auxiliaries  to  the  Baptist  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  and  less  societies  in  towns,  primaries  of 
these  auxiliaries.     These  societies  operated  together  most 
efficiently.     But  within  a  few  years  there  has  been  less  of 
the  formal  and  systematic  movement.     Churches  and  in- 
dividuals have  operated  more  separately,   and  send  their 
contributions  more  directly  to  the  board.     But  the  spirit 
and  the  liberality  of  the  Baptists  in  the  State  are  not  thereby 
diminished.     These  contributions  show  a  cheering  ratio  of 
increase  with  the  numerical  increase  of  the  denomination. 
In  the  work  of  Home  Missions,  also,  have  the  Baptists 
in  Maine  cheerfully,  prayerfully  and  beneficently  co-op- 
erated.    It  has,  however,  been  regarded  by  them  as  second 
in  importance  to  the  foreign  enterprise,  and  consequently 


GENERAL  OPERATIONS.  429 

their  contributions  for  its  support  have  been  comparatively 
less.  It  may  be  that  they  have  not  duly  estimated  the  im- 
portance of  the  Home  Mission  effort.  But,  before  they 
are  adjudged  of  indifference  and  neglect,  it  should  be  re- 
membered that  their  field  of  domestic  operation  has  ever 
been  extensive,  and  the  calls  for  their  attention  to  the  wants 
of  numerous  destitute  portions,  in  this  new  and  fast  growing 
State,  have  ever  been  urgent  and  necessitous.  To  these 
calls  they  have  never  been  indifferent,  but  with  a  com- 
mendable zeal  they  have  labored  to  evangelize  the  entire 
field.  And  in  this  way  they  have,  by  an  indirect  influence, 
aided  in  an  important  sense  the  design  of  the  Home  Mission 
Society. 

The  Bible  and  Tract  causes  have  received  a  commenda- 
ble share  of  their  attention;  and  especially  is  the  design 
of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  organized  at 
Philadelphia,  April,  1837,  held  sacred  and  important  by 
the  Baptists  in  Maine.  The  following  resolutions,  adopted 
by  them  in  Convention,  October,  1837,  evinces  their  interest 
in  this  society :  'Resolved,  that  we  approve  of  the  forma- 
tion of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  by  the 
Convention  at  Philadelphia,  in  April  last,  and  recommend 
to  our  churches  to  contribute  liberally  to  its  funds ;'  and 
in  1843,  'Resolved,  that  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society  is  entitled  to  the  warm  support  of  the  churches  in 
Maine.' 

They  were  among  the  first  promoters  of  abstinence  from 
intoxicating  drinks.  And  with  all  vigilance  they  have 
etrove  together  till  the  monster  of  intemperance  is  driven 
out  from  among  them,  and  some  of  their  churches  make 
the  'pledge  of  total  abstinence'  a  test  of  fellowship.  Their 
influence  has  not  been  confined  wholly-  to  themselves,  but 
they  have  earnestly  and  ever  united  with  all  the  friends  of 
humanity,  in  their  attempts  to  expel  the  evil  from  commu- 
nity and  from  the  world. 

The  Baptists  were  early  in  the  Sabbath  School  cause. 
Schools  began  to  be  formed  about  twenty-five  years  ago, 
and  their  evident  beneficial  results  soon  overcame  all  op- 
position and  prejudice  to  them,  and  awakened  an  attach- 
ment which  has  been  strengthened  by  experience.  At 
first  the  Baptists  united  in  society  with  other  denominations, 
to  carry  forward  this  benevolent  cause.  But  in  1835,  their.' 
19* 


430  GENERAL  OPERATIONS. 

own  schools  had  become  so  numerous,  that  it  was  deemed 
expedient  that  they  should  separate  from  those  denomina- 
tions, and  give  their  entire  attention  and  influence  to  the 
schools  connected  with  Baptist  churches  and  congregations, 
and  to  encourage  the  Baptists  to  multiply  their  schools, 
and  to  increase  their  efforts  and  the  means  appropriate  to 
advance  the  design  of  the  institution.     In  1835,  the  Maine 
Baptist  Sabbath  School  Union  was  formed ;  and  to  aid  this 
society  in  its  liberal  attempts  to  increase  the  means  of 
biblical  instruction,  in  1836,  Sabbath  School  Unions  were 
organized  within  the  limits  of  most  of  the  Associations, 
Their  operations   have   eminently   benefitted   the   cause. 
From  the  neglect  of  schools  to  make  reports,  the  State 
Union  has  ever  found  much  difficulty  in  procuring  statisti- 
cal accounts  of  the  schools. 

At  first  there  was  more  promptness  than  is  now  mani- 
fested. In  1836,  there  were  reported,  225  schools,  1471 
teachers,  10408  scholars,  192  who  had  become  pious,  and 
16305  books  in  the  several  libraries.  In  1843,214  schools,. 
1399  teachers,  9338  scholars,  419  became  pious,,  and 
19770  volumes  in  their  libraries.  This  diminution  in 
numbers  is  wholly  owing  to  deficiency  of  returns.  In 
1836,  the  returns  were  full,  but  in  1843,  there  were  129 
churches  not  reported ;  and,  says  the  secretary,  Rev.  J. 
Ricker,  'many  of  these  are  large,  and  known  to  have  in- 
teresting Sabbath  schools.'  This  cause,  among  the  Bap- 
tists, is  advancing. 

There  were,  in  1843,  sustained  by  the  Baptists  in  the 
State,  more  than  twenty  Quarterly  Conferences.  These 
organizations  have  for  their  object,  the  cultivation  of  ac- 
quaintance, the  promotion  of  a  more  elevated,  enlightened, 
devoted  and  active  piety  in  the  churches,  to  increase  a  more 
benevolent  spirit  and  zeal,  and  to  attend  to  the  more  local 
affairs  of  the  denomination  in  those  small  communities- 
which  come  not  under  the  cognizance  of  the  Associations, 
From  the  relation  which  the  college  at  Waterville  sus- 
tains to  the  intellectual  and  religious  improvement  of  the 
denomination,  it  would  be  an  important  omission  in  these 
sketches  to  say  nothing  of  that  Institution.  It  originated 
with  the  Baptists.  A£  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Bow- 
doinham  Association,  in  1810,  the  importance  of  estab- 
lishing an  Institution  in  Maine,  for  the  promotion  of  Lit- 
erary and  Theological  knowledge,  was  considered.  The 


GENERAL  OPERATIONS.  431 

desirableness  of  the  object  had  occupied  the  attention  of 
many  of  the  ministers,  for  several  years  previous  to  this 
time.  But  now,  from  a  variety  of  considerations,  such  an 
Institute  seemed  to  be  imperiously  demanded. 

They  saw  the  Baptists  multiplying  and  rising  into  a 
large  denomination,  in  the  midst  of  a  rapidly  growing  and 
enlightened  population,  where  talents,  science,  and  an 
increasing  general  knowledge  demanded  an  enlightened 
ministry.  They  saw,  too,  young  men  coming  forth  from 
the  field,  and  from  the  workship,  fired  with  a  pious  zeal  to 
enter  the  holy  work  of  preaching  the  gospel.  To  prevent 
the  embarrassments  of  a  limited  education,  and  to  qualify 
them  to  meet  the  spiritual  expectations  of  an  improved 
society,  something  must  be  done  ;  and  the  work  was  com- 
menced. After  the  appointment  of  a  committee,  to  confer 
with  the  brethren  of  the  Lincoln  Association,  the  subject 
was  referred  to  the  next  annual  meeting. 

At  the  meetings  of  the  Cumberland  and  Lincoln  Asso- 
ciations, in  1811,  the  brethren  in  these  bodies  respectively 
concurred  with  the  views  and  feelings  of  the  brethren  in 
Bowdoinham.  Committees  were  now  appointed  by  these 
three  Associations,  to  unite  in  one  joint  committee,  to 
petition  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  for  the  incorpo- 
ration of  such  an  Institution.  The  petition  was  presented 
by  Rev.  Caleb  Blood,  of  Portland,  and  the  incorporation 
was  granted  in  1813,  and  Waterville  was  selected  as  the 
most  suitable  location.  Here  it  was  established,  and  here 
it  flourished,  being  fostered  by  the  denomination,  and  in- 
structed by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  J.  Chaplin  and  S.  Chapin. 
Its  character  was  not  changed  till  1820.  This  year  it  was 
authorised  to  confer  college  degrees,  and  in  1821,  it  re- 
ceived the  name  of  a  college.  By  this  change,  however, 
the  department  for  the  pursuit  of  Theology  was  not  wholly 
lost.  Dr.  Chaplin  was  appointed  President  of  the  college 
and  Professor  of  Theology.  It  was  soon  evident  to  the 
churches  that  the  Institution  for  Theology  existed  only  in 
name.  Many,  therefore,  expressed  their  disapprobation  of 
the  change  by  withholding  their  support.  The  college, 
however,  found  warm  friends,  not  only  in  Maine,  but  in 
some  other  States,  particularly  in  Massachusetts.  Although 
it  has  received  some  aid  from  the  State,  in  money  and 
lands,  and  many  liberal  donations  by  individuals,  it  has 


432  GENERAL  OPERATIONS. 

nevertheless  persevered  through  many  obstructions.  Its 
condition  at  present  is  more  free  from  embarrassment  than 
at  any  former  period,  and  its  prospects  for  stability  and 
usefulness  more  encouraging.  The  character  of  its  present 
Faculty  has  created  in  the  community  a  confidence,  that 
the  student  will  not  find  here  less  attention  or  ability  than 
is  found  in  other  colleges. 

Previous  to  1822,  the  Baptists  in  Maine  had  not  the 
privileges  of  a  periodical  press.  Nor  even  then  had  they 
one  under  their  own  supervision.  'The  Waterville  Intel- 
ligencer,' at  its  commencement  at  that  time  in  Waterville, 
opened  to  Baptists  in  Maine  an  important  channel  of  com- 
munication, with  the  public  and  with  each  other.  But 
through  this  medium  they  did  not  always  speak  what  they 
wished.  Soon  after,  the  Baptist  Herald  was  commenced 
at  Brunswick,  and  professed  to  be  devoted  to  the  interests 
of  the  denomination.  But  with  this  paper  the  churches 
and  ministers  soon  became  dissatisfied.  Its  anti-missionary 
spirit  was  a  sufficient  objection  to  its  patronage.  In  1828, 
Zion's  Advocate  was  commenced  in  Portland  and  conducted 
by  the  faithfulness  and  prudence  of  Rev.  A.  Wilson,  who 
was  both  proprietor  and  editor.  This  paper  has,  from  its 
beginning,  been  wholly  sustained  by  the  Baptists,  and  de- 
voted exclusively  to  their  cause. 

Although  it  was  a  consistent  and  useful  herald  for  the 
denomination,  yet  in  a  few  years  it  was  thought  by  some 
to  be  too  moderate  and  liberal  in  its  doctrinal  character  ; 
and  that  its  columns  were  kept  too  close  as  regards  some 
of  the  causes  of  humanity,  in  which  some  of  the  brethren 
felt  an  especial  interest,  and  respecting  which  they  wished 
to  speak  freely.  This  view  and  feeling  originated  the 
'Eastern  Baptist,'  in  1835;  a  small  one  dollar  paper,  pub- 
lished successively  at  Richmond  and  Brunswick.  It  how- 
ever did  not  obtain  a  very  liberal  patronage.  In  1839,  this 
paper  united  with  the  Advocate,  and  the  editorial  was  en- 
trusted to  the  wisdom  and  faithfulness  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Ricker.  This  arrangement  continued  till  the  close  of 
1842,  when  Rev.  A.  Wilson  again  resumed  the  responsi- 
bilities of  the  old  Zion's  Advocate,  which  in  his  hands  is 
largely  enjoying  the  confidence  and  patronage  of  the 
Baptists. 


MINISTERS, 

Including  all  who  have  labored,  and  all  who  are  now  labor- 
ing in  the  State. 


Abbot  Constant,  pastor  of 
the  1st  church  in  China,  from 
1814,  about  three  years. 

Adams  Joseph, was  ord.  pas. 
of  thech.  in  Jay  1804, and  offi- 
ciated in  that  ch.  14  yrs.  Af- 
ter an  interval  of  about  10  yrs. 
which  was  mostly  filled  up 
with  itinerant  labors,  he  was 
pas.  of  the  same  church  from 
1828,  nearly  3  yrs.  From  the 
close  of  this  second  period  of 
his  pastoral  labors,  till  his 
death  1844,  he  preached  but 
occasionally  and  in  different 
places.  He  was  first  a  Meth- 
odist, then  a  Baptist,  and  main- 
tained an  honorable  connexion 
with  the  church  in  Jay  till  his 
death. 

Adams  P.  S.,ord.  an  Evan- 
gelist at  Sanford,  Sept.  1838. 
He  preached  in  different  pla- 
ces till  1840,  when  he  entered 
the  pastoral  office  in  the  Main- 
st.  ch.  Brunswick.  He  retired 
from  the  responsibility  of  pas. 
and  became  a  member  of  the 
ch.  E.  Brunswick  1843.  [He 
removed  to  Mass.  1844.] 

Adlam  Sam').,  came  into  the 
State  in  1838, and  was  installed 
pas.  of  the  1st  ch.  in  Hallowell 
the  same  year,  where  he  con- 
tinues to  sustain  the  office  with 
ability  and  usefulness. 

Allen  Amos,  entered  the 
ministry  about  1807,  by  license 
from  the  1st  ch.  Bluehill,  and 
received  ord.  to  evangelize  in 
1810.  He  was  devoted  to  the 


benefit  of  the  destitute  for  8 
yrs.  In  1818,  he  was  elected 
pas.  of  the  ch.  Brooksville,  and 
was  their  successful  leader  till 
1833.  Again  he  was  devoted  to 
supply  the  destitute.  In  1837, 
he  received  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  2d  ch.  in  Bluehill.  This 
charge  he  resigned  in  '42,  and 
he  is  again  the  devoted  evang. 

Allen  Wm.,  appears  first  in 
the  capacity  of  a  licentiate  of 
the  ch.  Columbia.  He  soon 
entered  the  field  which  God 
designed  for  him  to  occupy 
and  cultivate.  He  was  ord. 
pas.  of  1st  ch.  Jefferson  1809. 
Here  he  faithfully  and  success- 
fully magnified  his  office  dur- 
ing a  period  of  about  27  yrs. 
which  was  closed  up  by  his 
death  in  1836. 

Allen  Sain.,  licensed  by  the 
ch.  in  Frankfort  1813,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.on  Deer  Isle  '14. 
Here  and  on  the  adjacent  Is- 
lands he  devoted  most  of  his 
ministry  till  1825.  He  however 
was  occasionally  among  the 
destitute  on  the  main,  and  saw 
a  gracious  revival  in  2d  Addi- 
son,  1826,  where  he  preached 
about  2  yrs. 

Allen  D.  T.  was  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Industry  1828.  He 
resigned  his  charge  1  35,  but 
preached  occasionally  for  sev- 
eral yrs.  afterward.  He  was 
next  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Starks, 
from  1839  to  1843.  The  en- 
tire of  his  ministry  has  never 


434 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


been  to  the  people  over  whom 
he  statedly  presided.  He  has 
been  much  engaged  in  domes- 
tic missionary  labors. 

Allen  L.  B.  is  son  of  the  late 
Eld.  Wm.  A.,  a  graduate  of  j 
Wat.  Coll.  ;  was  ord.  pas.  of 
1st  ch.  Thomaston,  May  1840. 
He  presided  over  this  ch.  till 
1843.  He  now  has  the  pastoral 
charge  of  2d  Thomaston. 

Ames  Benj.,  was  baptized  by 
Eld.  Case,  ord.  an  evangelist 
in  1809,  settled  as  pas.  1811  by 
the  first  church  in  St.  George. 
Here  he  presided  till  1839,  and 
lives  the  senior  pas.  Eld.  A. 
has  seen  glorious  things  among 
the  people  of  his  charge,  and 
attendant  upon  his  ministry. 

Ames  Thomas,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Islesboro'  1804. 
He  officiated  about  5  yrs.  and 
resigned  the  charge.  What- 
ever he  has  since  performed  in 
the  ministry,  has  been  done  by 
occasional  itinerant  labors. 

Adderton  N.,  preached  for 
the  1st  ch.  Frankfort,  and  the 
ch.  in  Monroe,  1841  and  '42. 

Ambrose  Arnold,  was  licens- 
ed in  1811,  and  ord.  an  evan- 
gelist in  1812  by  the  ch.  in  N. 
Sharon.  Of  his  history  we  have 
been  enabled  to  gathernothing. 

Babeock  Rufus,Jr. President 
of  Wat.  Col.  from  1833  to  '36. 

Bailey  Joseph,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Ballstown,  now  1st 
Whitefield  in  1796.  He  receiv- 
ed Rev.  E.  Trask,jr.pas.l827. 
This  connection  continued  but 
a  short  time,  and  in  1830,  the 
ch.  with  its  venerable  pas.  was 
dropped  from  the  fellowship  of 
the  denomination  on  account 
of  their  anti-gospel  Faith  and 
Practice.  He  continues  the  pas. 
of  that  people. 


Bailey  Dudley  P.,  began  to 
preach  in  Greene,  1833,  by  the 
authority  of  a  lie.  and  was  ord. 
pas.  1835.  He  has  since  offic'd 
in  the  office  for  two  other  chs. 
Wayne  and  Cornville.  For  the 
former  from  1836  to  '38,  for  the 
latter  from  1839  to  '43.  [He 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  St.  Al- 
bans  in  1844.] 

Bailey  John,  pas.  of  1st  ch. 
in  Brunswick  from  1831  to  '35, 
since  deceased. 

Bailey  Wm.,  ord.  pas.  of  N. 
Buxton,  1840,iesigned  his  chg. 
of  the  ch.  1844.  [Pastor  of  ch. 
Bowdoinham,  1845]. 

Bailey  Timothy,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Oxford,  Mar.  1843, 
officiated  1  yr.  and  resigned. 

Baker  Sam'l,  left  the  Meth- 
odist, united  with  the  Baptist, 
and  was  ord.  an  evang.  1808. 
He  now  associated  his  labors 
with  Eld.  Snow,  then  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Thomaston.  Mr.  B. 
became  a  Universalist  in  1813 
and  wasexpel'd  from  the  Bap- 
tists. Upon  his  confessing  his 
errors,  he  was  restored  to  their 
fellowship  again  in  a  few  mos. 
after  hi^  exclusion.  For  similar 
reasons  he  was  again  excl'd  in 
three  weeks  from  his  restora'n 
to  confidence.  Mr.  B.  has  dur- 
ing his  minister'l  career  passed 
through  a  variety  of  changes, 
embraced  several  istsandisms, 
by  which  course,  as  a  conse- 
quence, he  has  lessened  his  re- 
ligious influence.  Hehashow- 
ever  been  again  restored  by  the 
Baptists  and  is  the  pre-ent  pas. 
of  the  1st  eh.  in  Camden. 

Ball  Reuben,  was  first  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Hartford,  1811, 
and  second  of  thech.  in  Bridg- 
ton  from  1812  to  '26.  He  died 
at  Greene,  1827,  much  lament- 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


435 


ed  by  the  people  over  whom '      Bassett  Jno.     All  we  know 


he  had  presided  so  long,  and 
with  so  much  ability  and  piety. 
Ballard  Joseph,  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  S.  Berwick  village 
from  1829  or '30,  till '33.  Here 
he  saw  the  wonderful  works  of 
God  in  building  up  Zion, 

Bartlett  D.,  lie.  by  thech.in 
Hartford,  1821,  ord.  at  Guil- 
ford!822;  pas.  Sangervillech. 
in  '23;  offic'd  about  5  yrs.,then 
removed  to  Warren,  was  the 
successful  pas.  of  that  ch.  from 
1828,  about  5  yrs.  He  next  be- 
came pas.  of  the  1st  church  in 
China,  1833,  where  the  Lord 
made  himemin'tly  useful  about 
8  yrs.  He  has  since  disch'ged 
the  duties  of  a  pas.  in  Dexter, 
1837;  in  first  W.  Thomaston, 
1838;  in  Friendship,  1842,  and 
in  second  Carnden,  1843. 

Barron  Oliver, was  pastor  of 
the  ch.  in  Wells,  during  two 
periods  in  its  history;  first  from 
1820,  9  yrs.;  2d,  from  1837,  6 
yrs.  The  faith  and  practice  of 
the  ch.  received  much  correc- 
tion and  improvem't  under  his 
ministry.  He  was  also  pas.  of 
ch.  in  C.  Neddock  from  1330, 
about  3  yrs. 

Barrows  Allen, a  graduate  of 
Wat.  Col.  was  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  Hallowell  X  Roads,  1834. 
He  labored  in  this  ch.  but  1  yr. 
Subsequently  he  has  been  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Leeds,  1835,  1837, 
of  the  ch.  in  Ellsworth  village 
1837  to  1843. 

Barrows  Lewis,  a  graduate 
of  Newton  Theol.  Insti'n  and 
ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Wool- 
wich, April  1843. 

Bartlett  C.  P.,  ordai'd  as  an 
evangelistat Friendship,  April 
1843,  has  since  become  pas.  of 
the  oh.  in  Cashing. 


of  him,  he  was  a  member  of  the 
ch.  in  St.  Albans,  a  few  yrs.  but 
where  he  preached  we  have 
never  had  any  information. 

Batchelder  W.,  was  among 
the  early  ministers  in  the  State, 
was  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  '  N. 
Hill,'  in  Berwick,  1796,  and 
after  9  yrs.  useful  ministry  re- 
tired from  the  State. 

Bedel  Abratn,  orig.  in  the 
ch.  in  Arnherst,  and  being  fa- 
vored with  a  license  in  1824, 
he  began  to  itinerate,  and  was 
successful  in  gathering  the  ch. 
in  Crawford,  in  1825.  He  con- 
tinued his  evangelizing  efforts 
in  Crawford,  Charlotte,  Coop- 
er, &.c.  till  he  was  ordained  at 
Thomaston  and  became  pastor 
of  1st  ch.  Camden,  1832.  He 
was  settled  pas.  of  the  1st  ch. 
m  Gardiner,  in  1833.  For  a 
term  of  5  yrs.  he  was  a  bless- 
ing to  this  ch.,  and  since  then 
he  has  been  doing  the  work  of 
an  evang.,  and  belongs  to  the 
ch.  in  Andover. 

Bedel  Elisha.  He  began  to 
preach  about  the  same  time 
with  his  brother  Abram,  and 
was  ord.  pastor  of  the  ch.  in 
Cooper  in  1828.  He  however 
removed,  and  became  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Deer  Isle,  1831.  He 
officiated-  in  this  ch.  3  yrs.  In 
1835  he  entered  the  pastoral 
office  over  the  ch.  in  Hodgdon, 
and  hero  he  fell  into  the  snare 
of  the  fowler,  denied  his  Mas- 
ter, and  by  a  council,  convened 
to  consider  his  conduct  and 
stnnding,  he  was  deposed  from 
his  office,  and  expelled  from 
the  church  in  1839. 

Beckwith  W.  H.  was  pas.  of 
Machias-port  1834;  E.  Machi- 
&s  1835,  and  then  left  the  state. 


436 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


Previous  to  his  ord.  at  Pern- 
broke,  1832,  he  was  engaged  in 
successful  itinerant  labors  in 
Calais,  &c. 

Beecher  L.  F.,  the  present 
pas.  of  the  1st  ch.  Portland,  en- 
tered the  holy  office  over  that 
body  Oct.  1842. 

Bisbee  Benj.  was  set  apart  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  Dec. 
1809,  in  Belgrade.  From  this 
time  till  1812,  when  he  was 
made  pas.  of  the  small  ch.  in 
Harmony,  he  was  travelling 
continually  among  the  desti- 
tute to  feed  them  with  the 
bread  of  life.  He  was  the  faith- 
ful pas.  in  this  ch.  till  1825. 
During  this  period  he  was  of- 
ten evangelizing  among  the 
destitute.  He  was  pas. at  St. 
Albans,  from  1830 to  '32.  Eld. 
B.  continued  to  travel  and 
preach  Christ  till  age  and  infir- 
mity laid  him  aside.  He  is  now 
more  than  80  yrs.  old,  and  re- 
joices in  Zion's  prosperity. 

Billings  Oliver,  was  among 
the  early  converts  in  Fayette. 
He  was  ord. an  evangelist  1800 
and  soon  received  the  pas. 
charge  of  the  ch.  in  F.  He  was 
the  acting  pas.  for  more  than 
20  yrs.  and  sen.  pas.  till  his 
death,  July  31,  1842.  He  was 
truly  a  good  man. 

Billings  John,  son  of  Oliver 
B.,  was  one  of  the  early  stu- 
dents at  Wat.  ;  entered  the 
ministry  atColumbia  by  license 
1825,  and  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.in 
Addison,  1826.  In  this  ch.  he 
was  most  successful  in  promot- 
ing the  cause  of  Christ,  till  he 
resigned  his  charge  in  1843. 
He  became  pas.  at  N.  Liver- 
more  1844. 

Blood  Caleb,  entered  the 
pastoral  office  in  the  1st  ch.  in 


Portland  1810,  and  magnified 
the  office  with  wisdom  and  a- 
bility  till  death  closed  his  la- 
bors  on  earth  March  1814. 

Blaisdell  Jos.,  pas.  of  the  ch. 
St.  Albans  and  Hartland,frotn 
1816  to  '22,  and  supplied  them 
with  preaching  in  '24 

Blanchard  C.,  after  preach- 
ing as  a  licentiate  several  yrs. 
was  ord.  pas.  of  2d  Shapleigh 
in  '23;  resigned  in  '28,  and  the 
same  yr.  accepted  the  charge 
of  2d  Nobleboro'.  He  left  this 
ch.  1836,  then  preached  the 
gospel  a  short  time  to  the  ch. 
in  Augusta,  and  in  1839,  began 
to  preside  over  the  operations 
of  the  ch.  in  Orono,  where  he 
now  officiates. 

Boardman  S.,  converted  fr, 
Arminianism  and  Pedo-bap- 
tism  1798,  became  a  Baptist. 
Feb.  1802,  ord.  pas.  of  the  1st 
ch.  in  Livermore,  with  which 
he  first  united,  was  pas.  of  ch. 
N.  Yarmouth,frorn  1810  to  '16 
— of  the  ch.  N.  Sharon  from 
1816  to '43.  On  account  of  his 
age,  he  has  had  an  associate  in 
the  pastoral  work  several  yrs. 
past.  He  is  the  venerable  fath- 
er of  the  lamented  Mission.  B. 

Boothby  Samuel,  ord.  pas. 
of  the  2d  ch.  Livermore  1843, 
and  preaches  half  of  the  time, 

Bond  Phinehas,  itinerated 
successfully  a  short  time  in 
Winthropand  Readfield,1823; 
ord.  pas,  of  the  ch.  Cherryfield 
1825  ;  in  1831,  he  removed  to 
Eastport,  and  was  pas.  of  that 
ch.  till  '84.  He  was  next  pas. 
of  the  church  in  Warren,  from 
1835  to  '40.  and  is  now  pas.  of 
Fayette  ch.,  where  he  com- 
menced in  1841. 

Bowler  Wm.  was  ord.  an 
evangelist,  1824,  and  in  1825, 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


437 


he  accepted  the  pas.  charge  of 
1st  Palermo.  He  officiated  in 
ilnsch.  till  1832,  and  then  sus- 
tained the  pas.  charge  of  2d 
China,  from  1832  to  1841,  and 
from  1841  pas.  of  both  Paler- 
mo and  2d  China  to  '43,  half 
the  time  with  each. 

Boynton  Isaac,  jr.  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Etna  1836;  accepted 
the  pas.  charge  of  2<!  Addison, 
1837,  and  there  labored  till  '43. 
[He  died  at  East  Harrington, 
Oct.  28, 1844.] 

Boyd  John,  ord.  pas.  of  1st 
Hampden  1838,  and  sustained 
the  office  one  year,  since  which 
he  has  preached  but  little. 

Briggs  Averv,  Prof,  in  Wat. 
Coll.  from  1822  to  1827. 

Briggs  Otis,  grad.  of  B.  U. ; 
commenced  his  ministry  as  a 
licentiate  in  Farrnington;  was 
ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  North  Yar- 
mouth, July  1816.  He  was 
soon  appointed  agent  to  take 
charge  of  the  township  of  land, 
given  by  the  State  of  Mass,  to 
the  Coll.  at  Wat.  He  removed 
to  Bangor  1818, where  he  prea. 
till  he  became  pas.  ofthech. 
in  Hampden,  18:20.  He  was 
pas.  of  1st  ch.  in  H.  8  yrs.  and 
Syrs.  of  the  2d  ch.  in  H.  He 
was  engaged  several  yrs.  in 
agencies  forbenev.  causes, and 
died  Oct.  1,'42,  while  employ- 
ed in  col.  funds  for  the  H.M.S. 

Bray  Eben.,  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Bethel  1807,  resigned 
his  charge  in  1812. 

Bray  Jacob,  licensed  by  the 
ch.  in  Bridgton  1835;  ord.  pas- 
tor of  that  eh.  '39;  resigned  his 
charge  1842,  is  now  itinerating 
among  the  churches. 

Bridges,  I.,  pas.  of  the  ch. 
Belmont,  1819,  travelled  occa- 
sionally for  some  years  and 


preached,  but  was  never  very 
successful  as  a  minister. 

Bradford  Lucius,  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Sebec  vil,  Feb.  1338, 
preached  a  short  time  to  the 
ch.  there,  and  then  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Guilford  from  1838 
to '41.  Since  he  closed  his  la- 
bors at  G  he  has  supplied  the 
ch.  in  Jay. 

Bradford  Zabdial,  gradu.  of 
Wat.  Col.  was  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  N.  Yarmouth  May  1837. 
[Removed  to  Providence, R.  I. 
1844.] 

Bradbury  Wm.  C.  grad.  of 
Wat.  College,  and  ord.  as  an 
evan.  at  Saco,  March  1838. 

Buck  Benj.,  converted  from 
a  Pedo-bap.  faith,  became  a 
Bap.,  left  the  Cong,  in  1800, 
and  was  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch. 
Orland  and  Bucksport,  1817. 
He  left  this  ch.  and  received 
the  pas.  charge  of  Eastport  '18. 
He  has  officiated  as  pas.  in  the 
ch.  Machias  Port  from  1819  to 
'25;  in  Sullivan  from  1826  to 
'29;  preached  in  Cutler  and 
Crawford  1830  and '31.  Again 
pas.  of  M.  Port  from  1831  to 
'33;  pas.  of  1st  Harrington  fr. 
1833  to  '40  ;  and  pa§.  Maria- 
ville  1842.  In  1843  he  retired 
from  active  labors  in  the  vine- 
yard from  age  and  infirmity. 
[He  died  Dec.  10,  '44,  ag.  76*.] 

Buker  J3avid,  pastor  of  1st 
Bowdoin  in  1807. 

Burbank  Wm.,  was  an  early 
deacon,  then  a  licentiate,  then 
ord.  an  evangelist  in  1821,  and 
then  made  pas.  in  1824,  in  the 
2d  ch.  Jefferson.  In  1825,  a 
3d  ch  in  J.  was  set  off  from 
the  2d,  and  Eld.  B.  became  its 
pas.,  and  was  its  active  pastor 
till  1842.  He  is  now  the  senior 
pastor. 


438 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


Burbank  Dan'l  E.,  at  the  age 
of  18,  commenced  a  course  of 
studies  at  Waterville,  prepar- 
atory to  the  ministry,  but  his 
love  for  souls  drew  him  imme- 
diately into  the  field  of  active 
labor.  He  was  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Guilford,  Nov.  1836. 
He  labored  "2,  yrs.  and  more, 
with  great  success.  His  health 
now  began  to  decline,  and  he 
removed  to  New  York,  and  re- 
mained a  short  time  where  he 
was  useful  in  the  cause  of  God. 
He  returned  and  became  pas. 
of  E.  Winthrop  in  1839,  but 
his  labors  were  closed  up  by 
death,  Oct.  29, 1839.  Thus  fell 
ayouthful  soldier  of  the  Cross. 

Butler  John,catne  from  Mas- 
sachusetts, was  settled  pas.  in 
E.  Winthrop,  1825.  He  re- 
signed in  1831,  and  the  same 
yr.  became  pas.  at  North  Yar- 
mouth. He  resigned  his  charge 
here  in  1835,  and  devoted  him- 
self most  successfully  to  the 
work  of  an  evangelist.  He 
became  dissatisfied  with  strict 
communion  as  held  by  his  Bap- 
tist brethren,  and  connected 
himself  with  a  Free-will  Bap- 
tist ch.  But  here  he  could  not 
feel  at  home,  he  has  therefore 
returned  to  the  Baptists,  and 
preaching  at  1st  Thomaston. 

Burnharn  Levi,ord.  pas.  of 
ch.  in  Harrison,  June  1843,  but 
devotes  a  part  of  his  ministry 
to  the  benefit  of  other  chs. 

Burnham  John,  lie.  by  the 
ch.  in  1st.  Bluehill,  1807  ;  ord. 
pas.  of  ch.  in  Frankfort,  1809, 
and  has  since  made  shipwreck 
concerning  the  faith. 

Byrne  Martin,  preached  as 
an  evang.  ashort  time  in  1841, 
at  Damariscotta  Mills, 

Burbank  Johnson,  ord.  evan. 
Dec.  16,  1843. 


Case  Isaac,  born  in  Reho- 
both,  Mass.  1761,  conv'd  1779, 
united  with  thech.  in  Dighton, 
Mass,  in  1779,  was  lie.  1780, 
ord.  an  evan.  1783,  came  to 
Maine,  and  began  to  travel  and 
preach  with  wonderful  success 
in  the  new  towns  and  settle- 
ments, the  same  year  gathered 
the  1st  ch.  in  Thomaston,  1 784, 
and  was  its  pas.  from  its  org. 
8  yrs.  1792.  He  gathered  the 
ch.  in  Readfield  and  officiated 
as  its  pastor  till  1800.  From 
1800  till  the  infirmities  of  age, 
weakened  his  bodily  strength, 
he  has  been  engaged  in  con- 
stant and  extensive  missionary 
labors,  either  voluntarily  or  by 
the  direction  of  the  Mass,  or 
Me.  Do.  Mis.  Society.  Many 
of  the  chs.  in  Me.  owe  their 
existence  to  his  efforts,  and 
multitudes  of  souls,  their  sal- 
vation to  his  instrumentality. 

Case  Cyrus,  the  present  pas. 
of  1st  ch.  in  Monrnouth,  was 
ord.  into  the  office,  Oct.  1842. 

Cain  M.,ord.  pas.  of  thech. 
in  Clinton,  which  he  had  aided 
in  collecting,  1796.  He  was 
the  active  pas.  till  1831,  and  is 
yet  alive,  and  the  senior  pas. 

Carter  Edward,  lie.  by  the 
ch.  in  IstMontville,  1816;  ord. 
pas.  of  2d  Brooksville,  1817; 
removed  1824, and  evangelized 
till  1832,  and  pas.  of  the  ch.  in 
Plymouth  from  1832  to  1843. 
He  was  assisted  in  the  minis- 
try by  Rev.T.L.  Pilsbury,  '42. 

Gary  Calvin  L.,  the  useful 
and  present  pas.  of  the  ch.  in 
Mt.  Desert,  was  inducted  into 
the  holy  work,  1833. 

Chase  Nathaniel,  was  one  of 
the  original  Baptists  in  Buck- 
field,  was  lie.  by  the  1st  ch.  in 
that  town  about  1796,  and  ord. 
its  pas.  1801,  and  continued  to 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


439 


preside  over  its  spiritual  inter- 
ests till  1835.  Since  then  the 
feebleness  of  age  has  allowed 
him  the  privilege  of  preaching 
but  occasionally. 

Chadwick  Job,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Vassalborough,  1796; 
elected  pas.  of  2d  China,  1797, 
where  he  officiated  till  1805. 
His  next  field  of  labor  was 
Gouldsboro',  where  he  was 
pas.  from  18 16  to '31.  Between 
the  yrs.  1805  and  '16  he  was 
successfully  engaged  in  Do. 
Mis.  efforts  in  Me.  and  on  C. 
Cod,  Mass.  He  died  at  Wind- 
sor, Me.  Dec.  25,  1831. 

Chadbourne  John,  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Cornish,  1798;  pas.  of 
ch.  in  Limington  oneyr.  1802, 
amis,  in  Etna  and  Cnrmel  and 
vicinity,  1807  and  '08;  pas.  at 
Dixrnont  1809  to  '11,  and  sup- 
plied them  occasionally  from 
1816  to  '26;  was  again  pastor 
from  1827,  till  his  death,  1831. 

Chadbourne  John  2d.,  ord. 
pas.  of  the  2d  ch.  in  Shapleigh 
1818.  He  resigned  1822,  and 
preached  in  N.  H.  several  yrs. 
Supplied  the2dch.  in  Sanford 
1833,  and  became  pas.  at  Hi- 
ram 1835,  where  he  officiated 
about  3  years. 

Chadbourne  Wm.,  pas.  of 
3d  ch.  in  Berwick  from  1808  to 
'17.  He  died  in  1818. 

Chadbourne  Levi,  aided  in 
building  the  ch  1st  Parsonsfield 
and  was  its  useful  pas.  from  its 
organization  1792  till  1805.  He 
also  preached  much  with  the 
ch.  in  Limerick  and  other  new 
places,  where  he  aided  the 
Baptist  cause  in  times  of  per- 
secution. 

Chapin  Stephen,  D.  D.,  wag 
horn  at  Milford,  Mass.,  edu- 
cated at  B.  U.  and  while  with 


the  Cong.  ch.  at  Mt.  Vernon, 
N.  H.  he  renounced  the  Pedo- 
baptist  creed,  became  a  Bap- 
tist, and  was  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  at  N. Yarmouth,  Sept  1819. 
With  ability  he  magnified  the 
office,  till  duty  called  him  to 
another  field  in  1822.  From 
this  time  till  1828, he  was  Prof, 
in  Wat.  Col.  With  his  Prof, 
in  Col.  closed  his  labors  in  Me. 

Chaplin  Jere.,  D.  D.,  was 
born  in  Rowley,  Mass.  Jan.  2, 
1776,  graduated  at  B.  U.  1799. 
In  1818  he  was  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  Baptist  Lit.  and 
Theol.  Insti.  at  Wat.  This 
Insti.  was  chartered  a  Col.  '20, 
and  Dr.C.  was  elected  its  Pres. 
in  1821.  He  however  held  the 
twofold  office  from  this  time  of 
Pres.  and  Prof,  of  Theol.  He 
resigned  these  offices  in  1833. 
During  his  stay  in  Maine  he 
wroughtagood  and  great  work. 
Besides  sustaining  these  offices 
with  ability  and  usefulness,  he 
was  often  among  the  chs.  en- 
couraging the  Baptists  to  per- 
severance and  liberality,  and 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Waterville, 
from  1824  till  the  settlement  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Greene,  in  1831. 

Chase  Rufus,  was  ord.  evan. 
at  Albion,  March  1841,  and  the 
same  yr.  accepted  the  pastoral 
charge  of  1st  ch.  in  Gardiner. 
[Removed  tp  Wells,  1844.] 

Champlin  Jas.  T.,  ord.  pas. 
of  Istch.  in  Portland,  May  '38. 
He  resigned  his  charge  of  this 
ch.  in  1841,  and  has  since  been 
successfully  employed  as  Prof, 
in  Wat.  College. 

Chase  Joshua,  from  New- 
buryport,  was  pas.  of  S.  Ber- 
wick ch.  from  1807  to  '13,  and 
from  1822  to  '24. 

Chamberlain  Philip,  ord.  an 


440 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


evan.  in  Hebron,  1831,  became 
pas.  of  Jefferson,  N.  H.  1833. 

Chapman  Nathan,  preached 
in  1st  ch.  in  Livermore  from 
1835,  about  2  years. 

Chisam  Sam'l,  ord.  evan.  at 
Jefferson  1825,  elected  pas.  of 
Waldoboro'  1826.  Here  he 
labored  amidst  persecution  and 
discouragement  10  yrs.,  at  the 
close  of  which  period  he  be- 
came pas.  of  1st  ch.  Jefferson, 
1837,  where  he  now  labors. 

Chessman  Dan'l,  was  pas. 
1st  Hallowellfrom  1821  to '30. 

Clark  F.,  pas.  ofch.  in  Saco, 
from  1827  to  July  2,  '33,  when 
the  ch.  withdrew  from  him  the 
hand  of  fellowship  both  as  a 
minister  and  as  a  Christian. 
[He  was  restored  to  the  ch. 
but  not  to  the  ministry,  1838.] 

Clarke  Caleb,  Jr.  pas  ofch. 
Fayette,  from  1834,  about  2 
yrs.  and  pas.  of  Mt.  Vernon, 
1837. 

Clarke  A.,  pas.  of  Sanger- 
ville,  from  1836,  2  yrs.  Since 
then  he  has  perform'd  the  work 
of  an  evan.  in  different  chs. 

Chaplin  Jere.,  the  present 
pas.  of  Bangor,  received  the 
charge  1842.  He  is  son  of  the 
late  Dr.  J.  Chaplin,  and  a 
graduate  of  Wat.  College. 

Colburn  Robert,  converted 
in  Bloomfield  1806;  ord.  evan. 
and  aided  in  supplying  that 
ch.  from  1814  to  '25,  preach- 
ing also  among  the  destitute 
often.  In  1825  he  became  pas. 
of  the  church  in  Newport,  and 
their  leader  till  1836,  since  he 
has  preached  but  occasionally. 

Colburn  A.,  present  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Saco,  received  the 
charge  1843. 

Colby  Lewis,  graduate  H. 
U.  and  of  N.  T.  Inst.  became 


pastor  of  S.  Berwick  vil.  cb. 
1838.  He  resigned  1842,  and 
was  pas.  of  the  Free  St.  rh. 
Portland  from  1842  to  '44. 

Cole  Benj.,  converted  1784, 
licensed  by  the  Lewiston  Con- 
ference, (so  called)  ord.  evan. 
1801,  and  elected  pas.  o'f  the 
ch.  in  Lewiston  1802.  He  was 
the  pas.  of  this  ch.  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  few  short  intervals 
which  were  filled  up  by  mis- 
sionary efforts,  till  near  the 
time  of  his  death,  Sept.  1839. 

Converse  Josiah,  was  pas. 
of  the  1st  ch.  in  Portland,  by 
ordination  from  1807  to  1810. 
His  was  a  prosperous  ministry. 

Cook  Gideon,  entered  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  1st  ch.  San- 
ford  1816,  and  discharged  the 
duties  of  the  office  till  182&. 
He  has  officiated  since  in  the 
ch.  Kennebunk  port  from  '25, 
2  or  3  yrs.;  again  in  1st  San- 
ford  from  1832  to  '38;  in  the 
ch.  at  C.  Neddock,  from  1838 
to  '40;  Sanford,  Mt.  Hope  '41 
to  1842,  and  in  Kennebunk 
vil.  ch.  1843. 

Cox  Eben.,  one  of  the  orig- 
inal Baptists  in  Hope,  1787, 
was  first  a  deacon,  then  a  li- 
centiate, and  then  he  was  ord. 
pas.  1822,  having  for  manyyrs 
been  most  efficiently  employed 
in  .promoting  the  interests  of 
the  ch.  He  was  pas.  however 
but  a  short  period,  but  has  ever 
labored  for  the  good  of  the  ch. 
and  the  destitute. 

Copeland  N.,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Albion,  1832.  He 
was  their  pas.  one  yr.  and  one 
yr.  at  Athens,  1884,  and  since 
then  he  has  been  an  evangelist 
supplying  the  destitute.  He 
preached  one  half  the  time  in 
Albion,  from  1839  to  '42. 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


441 


Coy  Eliab,  associate  pas.  at 
Knox  1832  and  '33,  supplied 
the  ch.  in  Hope  half  the  time 
in  1834  and  '35;  occasionally 
at  Freedom,  from  1834  to  '37; 
pas.  of  1st  Gardiner  in  1838, 
and  an  associate  pas.  at  He- 
bron since  1839.  Mr.  Coy  has 
performed  other  labors. 

Cressey  E.  VV.,ord.  anevan. 
at  Garland,  Nov.  1837,  preach- 
ed at  Sangerville  1838  and  '39; 
supplied  the  ch.  in  Bowdoin- 
harn  vil.  a  part  of  1840;  pas. 
atVa.ssalboro'  fr.  '41  ab.  2yrs. 

Cross  Win.,  ord.  an  evang. 
1834,  and  preached  some  for 
the  3d  ch.  Gardiner,  till  1840. 

Cnshman  Job.  ord.  pas.  of 
1st  ch.  Montville,  1807,  and 
was  a  blessing  to  the  ch.  till 
his  resignation,  1820. 

Curtis  Reuben, ord.  anevan. 
in  the  ch.  at  Greene. 

.Curtis  Thomas,  from  Eng- 
land, pastor  at  Bangor  from 
1834  to  1837;  pas.  in  Augusta 
1839  and  '40. 

Curtis  Thomas  F.,  son  of 
Rev.  Thomas  C.  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Turner,  1840.  He 
has  since  left  the  State. 

Daggett  John,  commenced 
preaching  in  Greene, by  license 
1807,  was  ord.  evang.  1808, 
became  its  pas.  1810,and  faith- 
fully labored  for  its  spiritual 
prosperity  till  1820,  when  he 
resigned  the  pastoral  charge. 

Davis  Nehemiah,was  instru- 
mental in  gath.  the  1st  ch.  in 
Shapleigh,  1781.  He  was  pas. 
till  1798,  when  he  rem.  to  the 
State  of  Ohio. 

Davis  C.  B.,  grad.  at  New- 
ton The.  Inst.,ord.  pas.  ofch. 
in  Paris,  June  1838,  and  con- 
tinues his  office  in  that  ch. 

Darling  Jedediah,  after  itin. 


sev.  yrs.  as  a  lie.,  was  ord.  and 
bee.  pas.  of  Franklin  ch.  1830; 
but  was  excl.  fr.  thech.  '32. 

Day  Wm.,  preach,  in  Belfast 
from  1835  ab.  2  yrs.,  and  was 
pas.  of  2d  Montnouth  from '37 
to  '40  ;  and  of  Woolwich  from 
'40  to  '42,  and  is  present  pas. 
ofch.  New  Castle  and  Alna. 

Day  Jotham,  ord.  pas.  Ken- 
nebunk  port  1821  ;  resign.  '28, 
and  bee.  pas.  of  2d  Lisbon  fr. 
1829  to  '32 ;  but  preached  a 
part  of  the  time  only  with  the 
ch.,  and  afford,  them  some  sup- 
ply '36 ;  also  the  same  yr.  some 
to  2d  Bowdoin.  From  that  time 
to  the  pres.  he  has  lab.  in  2d  B. 
and  elsewhere  occasionally. 

Denslow  Jos.,  beg.  to  use  his 
gift  in  the  ministry  soon  after 
he  was  chos.  dea.  at  1st  Bow- 
doin 1794  ;  was  ord.  pas.  1805; 
he  was  blessed  in  the  office  till 
1820.  From  '20,  until  his  phys- 
ical energies  were  crippled  by 
the  infirm,  of  age,  he  preached 
to  the  dest.  He  died  at  Tops- 
ham  Oct.  1840,  aged  84. 

Delano  Zebedee,  was  the 
first  convert  in  Livermore  '93; 
rec.  a  license  by  that  ch.  '99; 
was  ord.  and  bee.  pas.  of  the 
rh.  Lebanon  and  Berwick,  ab. 
1802,  where  he  was  the  devot- 
ed, faithful,  and  active  pas.  till 
1831,  and  lives  the  beloved 
senior  pas.  to  see  the  progress 
of  thech.  6nder  the  ministry 
of  his  associates. 

Densmore  Samuel,  pas.  of 
the  ch.  Chesterville  from  1825, 
about  2  yrs. 

Dexter  Stephen,  preach,  by 
license  a  few  years  in  Fairfax, 
now  1st  China,  and  being  ord. 
he  was  their  pas.  from  1809 to 
'19  ;  fr.  '20  he  was  pas.  of  1st 
Palermo  2  yrs  ;  and  from  '22 


442 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


to  '32,  he  was  pas.  of  the  ch. 
in  Corinth.  He  was  employed 
by  the  Dom.  Mis-  Soc.  to  lab. 
in  the  new  settlements  a  part 
of  the  time  for  several  years,  in 
which  he  was  successful  in 
planting  several  new  churches. 
He  died  in  '36. 

Donham  Benj.,  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Bethel, was  inducted  into 
the  office  by  ord.  Oct.  1836. 

Donham  Ransom,  pas.  of  the 
ch.  Hamlin's  Gore,  coin.  lab. 
with  it  '35,  ord.  pas.  Oct.  '36. 

Dodge  Daniel,  ord.  evan.  at 
1st  Sedgwick,  1835.  Most  of 
his  labors  have  been  of  the  itin- 
erant character.  He  has  how- 
ever been  pas.  of  Lubec  '41, 
and  of  Cutler  since  '42. 

Drinkwater  Arthur,  ord.  pas. 
ofch.  inMt.  Vernon  1816.  He 
officiated  successfully  in  this 
during  two  periods — first,frorn 
1816  to  '21  ;  second,  from  1829 
to  '33.  At  Hallowell  he  was 
pas.  from  1834  to  '36  ;  and  in 
1st  Bloomfield,pas.  fr  '36  to  '43. 

Dunlmr  Duncan,  first  from 
Scotland,  then  from  N.  B.,  was 
pas.  of  2d  Nobleboro'  from 
1823  to  '25. 

Dunbar  Albert,  ord.  pas.  of 
Friendship,  July  1838.  Here- 
signed  '40  ;  but  subsequently 
favored  them  with  occasional 
supply.  He  was  pas.  of  1st 
Camden  1842,  and  is  the  pres. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Knox. 

Dunbar  Melzer,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Hope  in  1843. 

Durgin  Wm.  J.,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  Islesboro',  Mar.  1843. 

Emery  Joshua,  was  the  first 
to  break  away  from  the  dark- 
ness, and  to  throw  off  the 
shackles  of  a  Pedo-baptist  Ar- 
ii  i  in  in  n  creed,  and  to  become  a 
Baptist,  in  Berwick,  1768.  He 
was  subsequently,  and  for  ma- 


ny yrs   a  licens.  preach,  in  the 
ch.  "  Great  Hill,"  Berwick. 

Emery  E.  H.,  pas.  of  the  ch. 
in  Knox  from  ,837  to  1841; 
evangelized  '42 ;  and  was  pas. 
of  the  small  ch.  Unity,  1843. 

Eaton  J.,  was  born  at  Wells 
June  22,  1743,  con.  at  the  age 
of  22,  first  a  Dea.  then  a  licen- 
tiate in  1793,  ord.  at  Berwick 
1798,  and  was  the  pas.  of  the 
church  in  Wells  from  1790  to 
1820.  He  preached  till  near 
his  death,  Dec.  1831.  His  age 
was  83  yrs.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  Baptists  in  the  State,  and 
was  an  associate  in  the  minis- 
try with  Joshua  Emery,  and 
was  with  the  Baptists  in  their 
persecutions  and  trials. 

Ellis  Ferdinand,  was  pas.  of 
Freeport  ch.  from  '29  to  '31, 
and  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Rich- 
mond, from  '89  to  '40. 

Emerson  Charles,  ord.  jun. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  now  called  Ac- 
ton, 1828,  where  he  preached  6 
yrs.  He  was  pas.  at  Pembroke 
from  '34,  2  years  ;  of  Kenne- 
hunk,  '37 — '38,  one  year;  of 
Machias  Port,  from  '38  to  the 
present  ;  also  officiating  pas.  of 
E.  Machias,  and  [-trenching  one 
half  the  time  there,  1839,  '40, 
'41 ,  and  '43. 

Emmons  Francis  W.,  evan. 
at  Eastport  a  few  mts.  in  1829. 

Eveleth  Joshua,  pas.  of  the 
ch.  at  Eastport  from  '23  to  '25. 

Farnum  Daniel,  ord.  an  Ev- 
angelist at  Whitefield,  June, 
'41,  and  has  bf:en  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Belmont  since  1842. 

Felch  Alvan,  graduate  of 
Newton  Theol.  Inst.,  ord.  pas. 
and  officiated  in  ch.  at  N.  Glou- 
cester from  1836,  6  yrs.,  and  of 
1st  W.  Thomaston  1843,  1  yr. 

Fittz  Henry,  ord. pas.  of  Wa- 
terville,  1829,  and  was  pas.  of 


DICTIONARY  OP  MINISTERS. 


443 


Istch.  in  Hallowell  from  1880, 
2  years. 

Flanders  Abner,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Buxton,  1803,  and 
preached  in  thatch,  till  '25.  He 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  N.  Bux- 
ton, from  '25  to  '29  ;  he  was 
min.  in  Wells,  1880,  in  Leba- 
non and  N.  Berwick  from  '32 
to  '35,  in  Waterboro  from  '36, 
2  yrs.,  and  supplied  1st  Ken. 
and  Lyman  one-half  the  time 
in  '41,  of  which  church  this 
venerable  servant  of  God  is  a 
worthy  member. 

Flagg  Samuel,  after  several 
yrs.  active  and  successful  la- 
bors as  a  licensed  preacher, 
was  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch,  on  Mis- 
congus  Island  and  Bristol, 1808, 
and  presided  over  the  interests 
of  the  ch.  till '30,  when  age  and 
infirmity  induced  him  to  retire 
from  active  service  in  the  gos- 
pel field. 

Fogg  Parker  L.,  ord.  pas.  of 
Istchurch  Shapleigh,  1829, and 


Freeman  Edward  W.,  ord. 
pas.  of  ch.  Old  Town,  Feb. 
1838;  rein,  here  but  short  time; 
pas.  2d  Camden  fr.  '38  to  '41. 

Francis  Thomas,  was  first 
convert  in  Leeds:  bee,  Meth- 
odist class  leader,  1794;  a  Bap; 
was  bap.  by  eld.  Potter,  1795; 
beg.  immediately  to  preach  by 
lie;  was  ord.  at  Leeds,  1798; 
sup.  ch.  Wayne,  '98,  '99;  bee. 
pas.  ch.  in  Leeds,  1800;  was 
the  active  and  eminently  suc- 
cessful pastor  till  1835,  and  the 
sen.  pas.  tilldeath,  May  9, '36. 

Frost  William,  ord.  pas.  2d 
Lisbon,  1817;  pas.  for  3  yrs. 

Fuller  Andrew,  ord.  evang. 
at  Nobleboro',  1794;  same  yr. 
bee.  pas.  ch.  Miscongus  island; 
res.  '98;  rec.  and  sus.  charge 
in  Hope,  fr.  '99  till  1803;  was 
next  pas.  in  Warren,  fr.  1804 
to  '20. 

Fuller  Simon,  ord.  pas.  2d 
ch.  Union,  1830,  and  continues 
to  labor  profitably  with  them. 


officiated  in  the  ch.  3  years.  Grant  William  O.,  pas.  ch. 

Fogg   Samuel,    ord.  pas.   of  (  Litchfield,  1824  to  '34;  pastor 


the  ch.  1st  Thomaston,  1821, 
and  officiated  5  yrs.  He  next 
preached  statedly  at  Green  fm. 
328,  about  8  years,  and  then 
aided  in  supplying  the  ch.  in  £. 
Winthrop  from  1831  to  1836. 
Since  then,  he  has  been  useful- 
ly employed  in  the  work  of  an 
evan.,  or  agent  for  some  be- 
nevolent cause,  and  many  of 
the  chhs.  hare  been  blessed  by 
his  efforts. 

Foss  Walter,  lic'd.  by  ch.  in 
Leeds,  1825;  ord.  evang.  at  L. 
'80;  performed  the  work  of  an 
evang.  among  the  destitute  till 
'43,  when  he  bee.  pas.  2d  ch. 
in  Leeds;  has  preach,  in  Hart- 
ford, 2d  Livermore,  Jay,  An- 
dover,  and  some  other  ch's.,  a 
part  of  the  time  statedly. 


ch.  Turner,  1833;  pas.  ch.  in 
Bridgton,  fr  '34,  2ys;  returnd. 
to  Litchfield,  and  was  again 
pastor  from  '37,  5  years. 

Garcelon  J.,  ord.  an  evang. 
at  Bowdoin,  1809,  with  which 
ch.  he  labored  much  in  word 
and  doctrine.  He  was  a  rniss. 
indeed, and  traveled  extensive- 
ly in  the  Sta'te  for  the  benefit  of 
the  poor  and  destitute.  His 
whole  min.  career,except  1815, 
when  he  discharged  the  duties 
of  pas.  in  Lewiston,  was  filled 
up  by  itin.  labors.  He  was 
faithful,  endured  hardness  and 
opposition  with  patience.  He 
died  Dec.  23,  1838,  aged  80. 

Garcelon  James  jr.,  son  of 
the  late  Rev.  J.  G.  and  pres. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  inLewiston,over 


444 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


which  his  father  once  presided, 
was  ordained  1841. 

Garrison  E.  W.,  gradu.  of 
Wat.  Coll.,  was  ord.  an  evan. 
May  '32,  preached  for  the  ch. 
IstSedgwick  fr.1834, 1  1-2  yrs. 
for  Cherryfield  as  pas.  from  '36 
to  '38,  and  where  now  is  the 
ch.N.  Sedgwick.  1839.  He  died 
July  19,  1840. 

Gilbert  S.  C.,  was  pas.  of  the 
ch.  Kennebunk  Port  from  1840 
to  '43. 

Gillpatrick  James,  educa.  at 
Wat.  Theo.  Ins.,  ord.  pas.  of 
1st  ch.  Bluehill,  April  1829. 
From  the  close  of  1828,  Eld. 
G.  has  lab.  with  distinguished 
success  in  this  gos.  vineyard. 

Gillpatrick  Jos.,  ord.  pas.  of 
ch.  So.  Berwick  1826,  where 
he  was  useful  8  yrs.  He  then 
was  a  blessing  to  the  ch.  1st 
Shapleigh,  as  pas.  from  1833, 
8  yrs.  :  and  to  the  ch.  1st  San- 
ford  from  1841, 2  yrs. 

Glover  Willard,  pas.  of  ch. 
Limerick  from  1827,  2  yrs.  ; 
preaching  occasionally  with  the 
ch.  in  Acton  1828;  and  pas.  of 
Wiscasset  '32.  He  is  now  pas. 
of  ch.  Vinalhaven. 

Godding  Wm.,lic.  by  the  ch. 
in  Jay  1800,  ord.  an  eva.  1802, 
preached  in  Wayne  most  of  the 
time  for  4yrs.  He  then  remov- 
ed to  Shapleigh,  received  the 
pas.  charge  of  the  ch.  now  Ac- 
ton 1807.  Over  this  ch.  he  pre- 
sided till  '35,  performing  the 
entire  duties  till  '28.  He  still 
lives  to  see  the  progress  of  this 
ancient  ch. 

Goldthwait  T.,  ord.  an  evan. 
at  2d  Hallowell,  Feb.  '38,prea. 
for  that  ch.  1  yr.  He  was  pas. 
in  Athens  from  1838,  4  years  ; 
pas.  of  Guilford  '42,  1  yr.  and 
is  the  present  pas.  SdJefferson. 


Going  Ezra,  pas.  2d  Sidney 
from '27,  2  years  andprea.  in 
Wayne  1829. 

Gooding  Wm.  J.3  preached 
in  Lubec  1834. 

Gould  N.,  ord.  pas.  of  ch.  in 
Vassalboro'  '96,  officia'd  3  yrs. 

Colder,  Jacob,  ord.  an  evan. 
in  2d  Bowdoin,  where  he  has 
labored  most  of  the  time. 

Gray  E.  H.  ord.  pas.  ch.  in 
Freeport;  discharged  duties 
of  the  office  to  satisfaction  and 
profit,  from  1839  to  '43. 

Green  Thomas  Dr.  was  first 
a  physician;  ord. 'pas.  ch.  N. 
Yarmouth,  Jan.  1797;  was  an 
able  defender  of  the  truth  and 
an  affectionate  pastor,  till  his 
death,  May  29,  1814. 

Green  Chs.  H.  was  pas.  1st 
Parsonsfield,  1842,  1  year. 

Green  Henry  K.  inst.  pas. 
ch.  Waterville,  1831,  of.  2  ys. 

Haines  John,  ord.  pastor  ch. 
now  Swanville,  1804.  About 
2  yrs.  after,  was  elected  pastor 
ch.  Vinalhaven;  con.  till  1810; 
then  removed  to  1st  Livermore 
where  he  was  successful  about 
11  yrs.;  he  next  was  associate 
pas.  at  Fayette,  from  1823,  2 
yrs.;  offic.  as  pas.  ch.  Norway 
fr.  1827,  about  9  years.  Since 
1836,  he  has  lab.  occasionally 
in  various  places,  and  hasever 
been  prominently  and  actively 
eng.  in  Dom.  Miss,  operations. 
Hale  Henry,  was  first  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Cong,  ch.  in  Sedg- 
wick. He  became  a  Baptist, 
was  bap.  by  Rev.  I.  Case,  on 
Vinalhaven,  1804,  and  soon  af- 
ter rec'd  ord.  at  Sedvvick  as  an 
evan.,  travelled  extensively  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  Slate, 
and  in  the  British  Provinces, 
and  was  made  eminently  suc- 
cessful in  promoting  the  cause 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


445 


of  Christ  wherever  he  went. 
He  was  settled  pas. of  the  ch.  in 
Charleston,  1814,  and  officiat- 
ed over  this  people  till  '24.  He 
still  resides  in  C.,  and  lab.  oc- 
casionally in  different  places. 

Hale  H.  S.,  was  a  grad.  of 
Wat.  Col.,  became  pas.  of  the 
ch.  2d  Sidney  1839,  about  2  y rs. 

Hall  Eph.,  became  pious  in 
1783,  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  St. 
George  1793,  labored  till  1809, 
then  resigned.  During  1808, 
prea.  1-4  of  the  time  in  Hope. 

Hall  Isaac,  bro.  to  E.  Hall, 
bee.  pious  at  the  same  time, 
commenced  preaching  by  lie., 
was  instrumental  in  gathering 
the  ch.  in  Knox,  1800;  was  ord. 
pas.  1806,  and  continued  ac- 
tively engaged  until  age  re- 
quired an  associate.  [He  died 
Nov.  25,  1844. 

Hull  John,  supplied  the  ch. 
1st  Belfast  1827  and  '28.  [He 
died  at  Livermore  August  19, 
1829,  aged  31.  He  was  buried 
in  the  cemetery,  near  the  Bap. 
meeting-house  in  Turner. 

Hall  Zenas,  was  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  Parkman  in  1819.  Un- 
der his  ministry,  which  contin- 
ues with  this  ch.  the  cause  of 
Christ  has  flourished,  not  only 
in  Parkman,  but  in  various  oth- 
er places  where  he  has  labored. 

Hallovvell  Josiah,  was  pas. 
of  ch.  in  Patricktown  '41;  pas. 
of  Frankfort  1843. 

Hanscom  Moses,  rec'd  ord. 
as  an  evan.  1842  by  the  ch.  in 
Danville.  [Served  the  ch.  in 
Durham,  S.  W.  B.  1844.] 

Harlow  Eph.,  rec'd  lie.  by 
2d  ch.  Buckfield  in  1824  ;  was 
ord.  pas.  '25,  and  is  a  blessing 
to  the  ch. 

Harris  E.  N.,  operated  a  few 
yrs.  among  the  Baptists  in  the 
20 


eastern  part  of  the  State,  but 
soon  denied  the  faith  of  the 
gos.  and  became  a  universalist. 

Harris  J.  M.,  was  ord.  at 
Kennebunk  vil.  in  1840,  and 
was  their  pastor  2  years. 

Hartwell  Philander,  ord.  in 
1830.  supplied  2d  Sanford  1 
yr.  and  pas.  2d  Berwick  1832. 

Hathaway  LeVi  B.,  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Farmington  1841, 
and  officiated  1  year. 

Hatch  Jacob,  ord.  pas.oftho 
ch.  Ripley  1822,  4 yrs.;  pas.  in 
Dexter  from  1826  to  *32,  but 
preached  half  the  time  only, 
from  1830.  Since  then  has 
been  engaged  as  an  evan.  to 
several  destitute  chs.,  and  asa 
miss,  among  the  new  settle- 
ments. He  officiated  as  pas. 
in  the  ch.  Etna  and  Carmel, 
1835,  2  yrs.  His  ministry  is 
now  divided  between  the  chs. 
Exeter,  Garland,  Abbot,  Sac. 

Hatch  Forest,was  first  Dea. 
of  the  ch.  in  Cambridge  ;  ord. 
its  pas.  in  '28,  and  sustained 
the  office  till  his  death  in  1834. 
He  was  a  useful  pas. 

Hawes  Harvey,  while  a  stu- 
denl  at  Wat.  became  pas.  of 
ch.  Fairfield  in  '32, 2  yrs  ;  has 
since  been  employed  as  pastor 
over  1st  Hampden,  from  1833 
to  '37,  preaching  a  part  of  the 
time  with  2d  ch.  in  H.  ;  over 
St.  Albany  from  1838  to '40;  2d 
ch.  in  Nobleboro'  from  '41  and 
was  its  pas.  in  '45.  He  has 
done  something  in  the  vine- 
yard as  an  evangelist. 

Heard  G.,  of  2d  Shapleigb, 
was  ord.  an  evan.  in  '41,  and 
preached  in  Alfred  about  2  yrs. 
Hooper  James,  commenced 
his  min.  in  Paris, was  ord.  pas. 
of  that  ch.  1795,  continued  the 
active  pas.  till  1836,  and  sen. 


446 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


pastor  till  bis  death,  in  1843. 

Hooper  Noah,  first  appear- 
ed as  pas.  of  the  ch.  on  Cape- 
Elizabeth  1820,  2  yrs.,  and  re- 
moved to  Lisbon,  where  he 
was  pas.  from  '23,  about  3  yrs. 
He  has  since  labored  with  sev- 
eral crts.  as  pas.  or  as  an  evan. 
He  supplied  the  ch.  in  Belfast 
1827;  3d  Camden'28;  was  pas. 
1st  Bloomfield  fr.  1829  to  '32; 
and  preached  at  Durham,  S. 
W.  B.,  Minot,  Litchfield,  and 
some  other  places. 

Hooper  Win.,  the  first  Bap. 
min.  ord.  in  Me.,  was  set  apart 
to  the  work  of  the  gospel  min- 
istry Aug.  14,  1776.  A  part  of 
his  ministry  however  only  was 
devoted  to  the  Bap.  cause  in 
Me.,  one  half  being  bestowed 
upon  the  ch.  in  Madbury,  N. 
H.,  then  called  '  Madbury  and 
Berwick.' 

Houghton  Josiah,  was  born 
In  Water  ford  1790,  and  united 
with  the  Cong.  ch.  at  the  age 
of  17  j  but  soon  became  a  Bap- 
tist, entered  the  ministry  and 
took  the  pas.  care  of  Readfield 
ch.  in  1816.  After  laboring 
hefe  about  7  yrs.,  he  was  pas. 
ofthech.  inNewburyportjMs. 
7  yrs.  He  returned  to  Me.  in 
1830,  and  became  pas.  in  Fay- 
ette,  where  he  was  successful 
about  3  yrs.  The  next  2  yrs. 
he  toiled  for  the  Convention  as 
their  agent.  From  '35  to  his 
death  in  '38,  he  was  the  useful 
pas.  in  Turner. 

Hodsdon  Timothy,  was  ord. 
the  first  pas.  of  Hollis  ch.  Oct. 
1805.  and  was  instrumental  in 
promoting  its  spiritual  pro- 
cress,  till  he  was  removed  by 
death  about  the  yr.  1822.  To 
his  ministry  that  ch. owes  much 
for  its  early  success. 


Hinkley  Smith,  was  ord.  atr 
evan.  in  Monmouth,  Jan.  -20 
1836.  The  ch.  in  Leeds  rec'd 
his  ministry  in  J37,  and  now 
pas.  of  ch. 'Monmouth  Centre.' 
Hubbard  John,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Hollis,  Oct.  1832. 
He  officiated  for  the  benefit  of 
this  ch,  till  '35  ;  for  the  ch.  in 
So.  Berwick  from  '36  to  '40  ; 
for  Kennebunk  from  '41  to'48j 
is  now  pas.  of  1st  Shapleigh. 

Hubbard  John  jr.,  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Cornish  in  1845. 

Hutchinson  Daniel,  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Hartford  1816,  and 
after  leading  the  ch.  about  six 
yrs,,  he  embraced  sentiments 
of  a  'mixed  communionist/ 
and  left  the  denomination.  But 
convinced  of  his  errors,  he  re- 
turned to  the  ch.  and  became 
its  pas.  again  in  '37,  and  enjoy- 
ed union  with  his  brethren  till 
1842,  and 'resigned  his  charge} 
since  then  he  has  been  engag- 
ed as  an  evangelist. 

Hutchinson  Joseph,  son  of 
Rev.  D.  H.  was  licensed  by  the 
ch.  in  Hartford,  ord.  as  an 
evan.  and  became  pas.  of  2d 
Livermore  1839  ;  since  1840y 
several  chs.  have  been  blessed 
by  his  itin.  and  stated  ministry. 
Huntting  Enoch,  was  settled 
in  Eden,  on  Mt.  Desert  island 
as  the  town's  minister  and  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  1817.  This  con- 
nection continued  about  15  yrs. 
and  he  removed  to  become  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Dexter.  Since  his 
resignation  of  the  pas.  charge 
in  Dexter,  he  has  preached 
occasionally  and  statedly  in 
different  churches. 

Ilsley  Silas,   was  successful 
pas.  ch.  in  Warren,  1842  and 
'43,  and  resigned  his  charge. 
Ingraham  J.  H.,  inducted 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


447 


into  the  gospel  ministry  by  the 
Congregationalisls;  becoming 
a  Baptist,  he  was  placed  over 
2d  ch.  Hallowell,  as  pas.  1839, 
where  he  now  resides,  preach- 
ing a  part  of  the  time  only. 

Jackson  Lemuel,  ord.  evan. 
at  Sidney,  1793;  was  blessed  in 
his  itin.  labors  in  the  new  towns 
and  settlements  till  he  became 
pas.  ch.  Greene,  '97;  res.  1801, 
bee.  pas.  2d  ch.  Weld,  1809: 
he  was  the  respected  and  use- 
ful pas.  of  this  ch.  13  yrs:  re- 
moved to  Ohio,  in  1823. 

Jameson  Thomas,  as.  past, 
of  Eld.  Wm  Goding,  ch.  Ac- 
ton, was  settled  as  such,  1837; 
aided  ch.  Montville  in  '36. 

James  David,  pas.  ch.  Ken- 
nebunk,from  1829,  lor 2  yrs. 
Jewell  Jacob,  ord.  evang.  at 
Mount  Vernon,  1805. 

Jewett  Jeremiah,  ord.  evan. 
1835;  from  '38  to  '42,  preached 
much  for  church  in  Amherst. 
Johnson  Wrn  ord.  at  Blue- 
hill,  1819;  has  been  most  suc- 
cessfully eng.  as  evang.  greater 
part  of  his  ministry,  ab.  24  yrs. 
By  his  efforts  a  large  number 
of  churches,  especially  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State,  have 
been  blessed.  He  was  pastor 
ch.  in  Readfield,fr.  1834  to  '37; 
of  3d  St.  George,  '38  to  '40. 
Johnson  Charles,  was  born 
at  Stoughton,  Mass.,  May  27, 
1806;  bee.  pious  at  the  age  of 
18,  closed  his  Theol.  studies  at 
Newton,  1835,  and  same  year 
ord.  pas.  ch.  Topsham,  where 
he  was  useful  till  death  termi- 
nated his  ministry, Feb.  29,  '36. 
Johnson  John,  educated  at 
Waterville  Col.;  ord.  pas.  ch. 
in  Charleston,  1838;  pastor  at 
A''dison,  1845. 
Jordan  Tristram,  ord.  to  the 


work  of  the  ministry,  in  1794; 
but  his  labors  do  not  appear  on 
the  records  of  the  denomina- 
tion till  1804,  when  he  became 
pas.  of  ch.  Denmark,  and  sus- 
tained the  relation  till  1819. 

Jordan  Larkin  L.,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Denmark,  in 
1835,  and  is  useful  to  the  ch. 

Jones  Ahira,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Saco,  Aug.  1833  ; 
resigned  his  charge  in  1843, 
and  became  pas.of  Kennebunk 
Port ;  resigned  in  184.:>. 

Joy  Amariah,  was  ord.  in 
Farmington  Dec.  1838,  and 
afforded  that  ch.  a  supply  of 
the  ministry  about  one  year. 

Jones  Rufus,  preached  a 
short  time  in  Athens  and  vicin- 
ity, and  was  ord.  pas.  of 'Ath- 
ens vil.'  June  1836,  and  contin- 
ues to  minister  unto  that  ch- 

Judson  Adoniram,  was  pas. 
of  2d  church  Nobleboro'  1820. 
[The  father  of  the  missionary 
in  Burmab.] 

Kalloch  Amariah,  was  ord. 
1830,  has  officiated  as  pas.  in 
Istch.  Thomaston  from  1831 
to  1834;  in  3d  ch.  Thomaston 
since  1834. 

Kalloch  Joseph,  bro.  to  A. 
K.  was  ord.  jun.  pas.  of  the  ch. 
1st  St.  George,  Sept.  1841. 

Kendall  Henry,  born  in  San- 
ford,  Me.  July  3,  1774,  expe- 
rienced a  (Work  of  renewing 
grace  at  the  age  of  19,  was  lie. 
to  preach  1801,  was  ord.  at  Mt. 
Vernon  1805,  and  the  same  yr. 
became  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Litch- 
field.  He  was  useful  in  L.  till 
1818,  when  he  removed  to 
Topsham,  and  took  the  charge 
of  that  ch.,  and  was  useful  till 
he  resigned  in  '28  ;  he  then 
gave  himself  to  the  work  of  an 
evan.  or  missionary,  and  ia 


448 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


now  actively  and  successfully 
employed  as  agent  for  Me.  D. 
M.  Society. 

Kin??  John,  ord.  at  White- 
field,  1807,  but  when  and  how 
long  he  labored  in  the  ministry 
is  uncertain  by  any  records  we 
have  found. 

King  Alonzo,  was  settled  by 
ord.  as  pas.  ofthe  ch.  in  North 
Yarmouth  1826,  but  on  account 
of  ill  health  resigned  his  charge 
in  1831,  and  left  the  State. 

Kinsman  Eben.,  after  sev- 
eral yrs.  of  useful  labor  as  a 
licentiate,  he  was  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Limerick  1796  ;  re- 
signed in  1807. 

Kingsbury  Leonard,  Dea.  of 
the  ch.  in  Andover,  was  ord. 
its  pas.  1842,  and  served  the 
ch.  1  year. 

Kingman  Lebbeus,the  pres- 
ent pas.  ofthe  ch.  in  Guilford, 
was  ord.  pastor  of  the  ch.  2cl 
Sedgwick  1841,  with  whom  he 
remained  about  1  year. 

Knox  Samuel,  was  ord.  a- 
bout  1822,  and  became  pas.  of 
thech.  in  Strong;  resigned  his 
charge  of  this  ch.  1825,  and 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  Brighton, 
from  1826  to  '31  ;  supplied  the 
ch.  in  Norridgewock  fr.  1834, 
2  yrs.  ;  was  the  junior  pas.  in  j 
Clinton  from  1831,  2  yrs.,  from 
1835,  1  yr.  and  from  1833,  2  I 
yrs.,  and  had  the  pas.  charge 
ofthe  ch.  in  Winslow  from 
1840,  2  yrs. 

Knox  George,  the  present 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Topsham, 
was  ord.  to  the  office  Dec.  '41. 

Ladd  Samuel,  was  settled 
pas.  of  Kennehunk-  and  Ly- 
jrian  1843,  Left  the  State  '44. 

Lefavor  Amos,  preached  for 
the  ch.  2d  Sidney,  1  yr.,  1835. 

Lambert    Robert,    became 


pas.  ofthe  ch.  Frankfort  1821. 
After  aiding  the  progress  of 
this  ch.  5  or  6  yrs.,  he  took  the 
pastoral  charge  of  the  ch.  in 
Monroe,  and  officiated  from 
1329,  2  yrs. 

Lamson  Wm.,  ord.  pas.  of 
the  ch.  2d  Thomaston,  August 
18,  1840,  preached  1  year  and 
resigned. 

Leach  E.  G.,  received  ord. 
at  N.  Portland  Mar.  1839. 

Leighton  S.  S.,  was  setiled 
by  installation  as  pas.  ofthe 
1st  ch.  in  Leeds  in  1843. 

Lennan  Bryant,  was  ord. 
pas.  ofthe  ch.  on  Swan  Island 
1823,  and  served  till  1827  ;  he 
next  aided  the  2d  Hampden, 
1838,  but  has  been  since  gen- 
erally engaged  as  an  itinerant 
preacher. 

Leonard  Martin  was  ord.  as 
an  evan.  at  Leeds  Sept.  '25  ; 
has  never  officiated  as  pas.  of 
any  ch.,  but  has  labored  a  part 
ofthe  time  in  different  places. 

Lewis  Jabez,  was  pas.  ofthe 
1st  China,  from  1801  to  1808. 

Lewis  Daniel  D.,  was  pas.of 
the  ch.  in  N.  Gloucester  in  '09. 

Littlefield  N.  G.,was  ord.  as 
an  evan.  at  Lyman  1828,  and 
preached  a  part  ofthe  time  for 
that  ch.  several  yrs.,  and  has 
been  its  pas.  since  1839.  He 
was  also  pas.  ofthe  ch.  S.  Ber- 
wick, from  1833,  about  2  yrs. 

Lincoln  Thos.  0.,  was  ord. 
Dec.  1834  ;  soon  became  pas. 
ofthe  ch.  Kennebunk  vil.,  but 
resigned  his  charge  in  '36,  to 
take  charge  ofthe  Free-st.  ch. 
Portland,  where  he  labored 
successfully  till  '41,  when  he 
removed  to  Philadelphia. 

Livermore  Jason,  was  pas. 
of  Swanville  ch  fr.  1807  to  '10. 

Locke  Simon,  was.  ord.  pas. 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


449 


of  the  ch.  Lyman,  Sept.  1783, 
and  was  the  devoted  and  use- 
ful undershepherd  of  this  ch. 
for  a  period  of  49  yrs.,  where 
in  1831,  he  finished  his  course 
and  the  ministry  he  had  rec'd 

Long  C.  C.,  was  ordained  an 
evan.  in  3d  Camden  May  '43. 

Lord  Nath'l,  was  born  1754, 
ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Wells, 
1780,  and  was  their  successful 
guide  18  yrs.  ;  he  then  reoeiv- 
ed  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
2d  ch.  Berwick  in  1804,  and 
lead  thech.  through  all  its  tri- 
als till  he  was  removed  by 
death  April  1832.  He  was  a 
devoted  and  active  servant  of 
the  Cross,  and  his  extra  paro- 
chial labors  were  eminently 
useful  to  the  early  Baptists  in 
the  State. 

Lord  Wentworth,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  at  Parsonsfield,  1803, 
and  became  pas.  of  this  origi- 
nal ch.  in  P.  1806.  He  was  the 
acting  pas.  till  1830,  and  sen. 
pas.  till  '35, when  he  resigned. 

Lord  Benjamin,  was  one  of 
the  first  Baptist  ministers  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  State. 
He  was  born  1778,  became  pi- 
ous, united  with  the  Metho- 
dists, and  was  appointed  class 
leader  in  Surry  1800  ;  he  em- 
braced the  sentiments  of  the 
Baptists  in  1802,  was  elected 
deacon  of  the  ch.  in  Surry,  and 
after  preaching  some  years  by 
license,  he  was  ord.  pas.  ofthe 
church  '  Surry  and  Ellsworth.' 
This  relation  continued  till  '14, 
when  he  rec'd  the  pas.  charge 
ofthe  ch.  in  Columbia.  He 
returned  to  Surry  in  1818,  and 
resumed  his  pas.  charge  ofthe 
ch.  he  had  left,  and  ministered 
to  them  until  his  death,  Sept. 
19,  1841. 


Lord  To/ier,  supplied  the 
ch.  in  Athens  from  1825, 2 yrs. 
Lothrop  Alfred,  ord.  in  '36; 
supplied  the  ch.  '  Lisbon  Cor.' 
1837.;  was  pas.  of  the  ch.  in 
Dexter  from  1837  to  '40,  and 
is  now  pas.  of  2d  St.  George. 

Low  Robert,  was  settled  the 
pas.  ofthe  ch.  in  N.  Glouces- 
ter 1800,  and  has  officiated  in 
thisch.  as  pas.  from  1800  to  '07, 
and  from  1815  to  '20.  He  has 
also  discharged  the  duties  of 
pas.  in  Readfield  from  1807  to 
'15;  and  from  1832  to  '34.  Af- 
ter supplying  the  Wayne  ch. 
and  others  destitute  of  a  stated 
ministry  from  1820,  he  became 
pas.  of  3d  Livermore  in  '24, 
and  preached  to  that  ch.  till 
'32.  Since  1834,  he  has  labor- 
ed but  little,  being  much  enfee- 
bled by  age. 

Lawrence  Manassah,  was 
ord.  at  Sumner  June  1833,  and 
has  officiated  as  pas.  of  that  ch. 
since  his  ordination. 

Leonard  George,  was  born 
in  Raynham,  Mass.,  1802,  pro- 
fessed Christ  1820,  graduated 
at  B.  U.  1824,  was  ord.  pas.  of 
thech.  in  Portland  1839,  was 
useful  to  them  but  a  few  mtlis. , 
when  he  was  removed  by  death 
Aug.  11,  1831. 

Macomber  Job, was  ord.  pas. 
of  1st  Bowdoinham,  in  1784, 
and  was  their  spiritual  guide 
till  1810.  ' 

Macomber  Tho., was  settled 
pas.  ofthe  ch.  in  Sumner  about 
1804,  and  assisted  that  ch.  till 
1815.  During  his  stay  with 
this  ch.  however,  he  travelled 
much  as  a  missionary  to  the 
destitute.  In  1816,  he  remov- 
ed to  Guilford,  where  he  now 
resides,  and  was  the  acting  pas. 
of  thatch,  from  1816  to  '35  ; 


450 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


since  then  he  has  preached  oc- 
casionally in  different  places. 

Macomber  Joseph,  received 
a  license  by,  and  was  ord.  an 
evan.  in  the  eh.  in  Jay  1814, 
and  preached  to  the  ch.  and 
elsewhere  for  a  period  of  about 
14  years. 

Macomber  Samuel,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  on  Vinalhaven  1820, 
and  waa  engaged  in  supplying 
that  ch.  and  others  in  the  vicin- 
ity for  two  or  three  years. 

Mace  J.  M.,  was  ord.  pas. 
ofthech.  1st  Montville  1840, 
and  after  two  years  ministry 
with  that  ch.  he  engaged  in  a 
supply  of  the  ch.in  Dexter  and 
others  in  its  vicinity. 

Magee  Thomas,  from  the 
Province  of  N.  B.  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Lubec  1835. 

Mariner  Samuel,  received 
ord.  at  Harpswell  1802,  and 
was  pas.  of  that  ch.  fora  peri- 
od of  about  30  years. 

Martin  Jesse,  received  ord. 
at  Vassfilboro'  as  pas.  of  the 
1st  ch.  in  that  town,  1804,  and 
officiated  for  that  people  from 
1804  to  '13,  and  from  1824  to 
'29;  from  1817  to  1821,  and 
from  1832  to  1836,  he  was  the 
associate  pas.  of  Rev.  O.  Bill- 
ings in  Fayette;  and  pas  of  1st 
China  from  1829  to  '32.  He 
is  now  aged  and  preaches  but 
a  little. 

Mnginnis  John  S.,  was  ord. 
pastor  of  1st  ch.  in  Portland, 
Sept.  1832,  but  resigned  his 
charge  in  1837.  He  is  now 
Prof,  of  the  Theo.  Institution 
at  Hamilton,  N.  Y. 

Marble  Coker,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Vassalboro'  Junel805. 
In  1808,  he  became  pas.  of  the 
2d  ch.  in  V.  and  labored  with 
them  till  1820. 


McMaster  Daniel,  was  plac- 
ed in  charge  of  the  ch.  in  Sul- 
livan by  ord.  in  1810,  and  sus- 
tain'd  the  office  of  pas.  till  '22. 
He  has  officiated  as  pas.  in  the 
ch.  Etna  and  Carmel  from  '23 
to  '31,  in  the  ch.  in  Belgrade 
from  1839  to  '42. 

McGregor  Elias,  was  pas. 
of  the  church  in  Kennebunk, 
from  1839  and  1840.  He  has 
since  been  engaged  as  a  mis- 
sionary among  the  destitute. 

Mayhew  Nathan,  was  'ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  East  Dixfield, 
soon  after  its  organization  in 
1817.  He  was  pas.  till  1825, 
and  preached  one  half  the  time 
from  1837  to  '43  ;  preached  for 
:he  ch.  in  Jay  from  1831,  1  yr 
From  1825,  to  the  present,  he 
lias  afforded  aid  toseveraldes- 
titute  churches. 

Mason  Daniel,  received  lie. 
by  the  ch.  in  Fayette  181 1;  and 
was  ord.  an  evan.  in  the  same 
ch.  in  1812.  He  officiated  as 
pas.  in  the  ch.  at  Freeport  fr. 
1813  to  '16  ;  and  in  the  ch.  at 
Bethel  from  1818  till  his  death 
in  1835. 

Marshall  Walter,  was  lie. 
by  the  ch.  in  Hartford,  and 
preached  for  them  some  yrs., 
and  has  been  for  several  yrs. 
employed  in  supplying  desti- 
tute chs.  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State. 

McGregor  Daniel,  was  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Lubec  in  1837. 
.  Maxim  SullivanM.,vvasord. 
an  evan.  at  Palmyra  1839,  but 
has  since  '40  been  pas.  of  that 
ch.  and  preached  1-4  the  time. 
Merrill  Daniel,  was  first  a 
Cong,  minister  of  Sedgwick  ; 
became  pas.  of  the  1st  Baptist 
ch.  1805,  and  officiated  as  pas. 
in  that  cb.  from  1805  to  '14, 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


and  from  '22  to  28.  He  died 
in  1833  ;  he  was  an  able  de- 
fender of  the  Baptist  cause. 

Merrill  Thomas,  became  pi- 
ous and  was  ord.  an  evan.  in 
the  ch.  Industry  1813.  He 
officiated  as  pas.  at  Prospect, 
after  supplying  the  ch.  Swan- 
ville,  from  1816,  1  year,  from 
|817  to  '25. 

Melvin  Joseph  H.,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  at  Knox,  and  bee.  col. 
pas.  with  Rev.  I.  Hall  in  1842, 
which  relation  was  dissolved 
by  the  death  of  Mr.  M. 

Messer  Alvan,  after  preach, 
by  license  a  few  years,  was 
ord.  in  1843  as  an  evan.  at  En- 
field. 

Messer  Amos  P. ,  once  a  dea. 
in  the  ch.  in  Enfield,  rec.  lie. 
and  ord.  in  thatch,  in  '35,  bee. 
its  pas.  in  '37,  and  preach,  half 
the  time  till  '42.  At  pres.  he 
is  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Springfield, 
and  his  labors  are  divided  bet. 
this  ch.  and  Enfield. 

Merrill  J.,  bee.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Waterboro'  1842;  pas. 
at  Cornville  in  '45. 

Miller  Charles,  pas.  of  1st 
Bloomfield,  {1844)  was  pastor 
of  S.  Berwick  ril.  ch.  fr.  1826 
to  '29  ;  of  the  ch.  in  Turner 
fr.  1830  to  '32  ;  of  1st  Liver- 
more  fr.  1839  to  '43. 

Millet  Joshua,  (the  author 
of  this  history,)  was  lie.  by  the 
ch.  in  Leeds,  ord.  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Charleston  Jan.  6,  1836, 
resign,  his  charge  in  '38,  and 
rein,  to  Cherryfield,  and  was 
pas.  of  that  ch.  till  1843. 

Milner  Reuben,  after  itin.  a 
short  time  as  a  lie.,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Bluehill  182  i, 
(supplied  the  ch.  in  Woolwich 
one  year  :)  and  preach,  for  that 


the  1st  ch.  Thomaston,  '28  ; 
the  most  of  the  time  for  the  2d 
Bowdoinharn  fr.  1830  to  '31  ; 
for  Bridgton  '32 ;  Kennebunk 
port  vil.  ch.  '35  ;  pas.  of  tLs 
ch.  Norway,  fr.  '38  to  the  pre- 
sent, (1845  ) 

Mirick  Eben'r,  bee.  pas.  of 
Istch.  Sedgwick,  1829.  He 
preach,  for  this  ch.  till  he  ac- 
cepted the  charge  of  the  ch.  in 
Brooksville,  1834,  over  which 
he  now  presides. 

Merriam  Franklin,  the  pres. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Winthrop, 
was  ord.  over  thatch.  Jan.  '41. 

Merriam  Isaac,    was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Eastport  fr.  1825  to 
'28  ;  and   was   the   successful 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Wells  fr.  '31 
about  5  years. 

Mitchell  R.  S.,  has  done  the 
work  of  an  itin.  preach,  for  se- 
veral yrs. 

Mitchell  Robert,  was  ord. 
pas.  at  Freeport  1817,  and 
preach,  for  that  ch.  ab.  2  yrs. 
The  subseq.  part  of  his  minis- 
try was  devoted  to  the  benefit 
of  various  churches. 

Mowers  Peter,  was  ord.  in 
1804,  and  was  pas.  of  the  ch. 
in  Mt.  Vernon  fr.  1807  to  '15. 
He  afterwards  denied  the  faith 
and  was  deposed  from  the  of- 
fice of  the  ministry. 

Morrill  J.  C.,  as  an  evang. 
afforded  a  supply  of  the  ch.  iti 
Augusta  in  1836  ;  for  2d  Sid- 
ney from  1838,  ab.  2  yrs.  ;  and 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Wiscas- 


set  from  '40  to  '43. 


of  the 


Morton  Z.,  bee.  pas. 
ch.  in  Alfred  .843. 

Morse  Isaac,  was  ord.  at 
Madison  in  1836  ;  and  as  an 
evan.  has  blessed  that  ch.  and 
others  in  its  vicinity,  with  oc- 


cb.  about  3  yrg  ;  preached  for  |  casional  sup.     He  is  now  pas- 


452 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


tor  of  the  church  in  Moscow. 
Morse  Winthrop,  offici.  as 
pas.  for  the  1st  ch.  in  Hallow- 
ell  from  1818,  ab.  2  yrs  ;  for 
the  ch,  in  Fannington  fr.  '21  to 
'24. 

Morse  W.  E.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  New  Portland  Sept. 
'41  ;  was  pas.  of  that  ch.  from 
'41  to  '42.  He  is  now  an  evan. 

McMarden ,  is  a   mem. 

and  an  ev.  in  the  ch.  Belgrade. 
Murry  Ths.,  fr.  Nova  Sco- 
tia, came  to  Hodgdon.  where 
he  was  ord.  an  evan.  Feb.  '39; 
but  his  ministry  was  of  short 
continuance  ;  he  died  June  of 
the  same  yr.  of  his  ordination. 
Nelson  Klias,  was  lie.  by  the 
ch.  in  Monmouth  1812;  was 
ord.  and  offic.  as  its  pas.  from  i 
'14  to  '17  ;  in  3d  Livertnore  fr. 
1818  to  '21  ;  in  Jay  fr.  '21  to 
'24,  and  fr.  '33  to  '39,  of  which 
ch.  he  remains  a  senior  pastor. 
Newton  Calvin,  bee.  a  Prof, 
of  Rhetoric  and  Hebrew  in 
Waterville  College  1831,  and 
resigned  his  office  in  the  Col.  in 
'37.  He  was  elected  Prof,  of 
Theol.  in  Me.  Theol.  School 
in  '37,  and  was  the  Principal  in 
that  Inst.  till  '42.  During  his 
connexion  with  these  Institu- 
tions, he  was  useful  to  many 
churches  and  soc.  as  a  min.  of 
Christ. 

Newton  G.  J.,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Vinalhaven  Sept. 
1886,  and  preach,  for  that  ch. 
about  2  yrs.  Since  '38  he  has 
been  the  pas.  of  the  small  ch. 
in  Argyle. 

Norcross  C.  T.,  rec.  lie.  by 
the  ch.  in  Charleston,  and  was 
ord.  as  an  evan.  in  that  ch. 
Oct  1832.  He  has  officiated  as 
pas.  in  the  cb.  Friendship  fr. 
1832  to  '35  5  in  Dexter  '36. 


Since  that  time  he  has  lab.  oc- 
casionally with  dif.   churches. 

Norton  Ransom,  was  one  of 
the  early  converts  in  the  ch.  in 
Liverrnore  ;  rec.  lie.  by  that 
ch.,  and  ord.  pas.  ofthe  2nd  ch. 
in  L.  1811,  and  sustained  the 
office  till  1826.  He  died  Nov. 
1,  1834. 

Norton  Noah,  was  placed  in 
charge  of'2d  Bowdoin,  by  ord. 
in  1822,  which  office  he  filled 
till  he  removed  to  Brunswick, 
1836,  and  has  since  been  the 
useful  pastor  of  that  church. 

Norton  Lemuel. 

Nott  Handel  G.,  has  officiat- 
ed pas.  ofthe  church  in  Bath 
since  1840. 

Nugent  Edmund, the  present 
pas.  of  Harrington,  was  ord. 
in  that  church  in  1843. 

Nutter  David,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  St.  Johns,  N.  B.,  1820. 
He  came  to  the  State  and  has 
officiated  as  pas.  in  let  Liver- 
more  from  1822  to  '34.  After 
preaching  in  Brunswick  a  short 
period,  he  accepted  the  pasto- 
ral charge  of  the  ch.  in  Sedg- 
wick,  and  is  still  useful  to  that 
people. 

Noyes  R.,  was  ord.  an  evan. 
by  the  Atkinson  and  Milton  ch. 
by  whose  supply  that  church 
has  received  some  aid. 

Oaks  William,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Canaan  1815,  but  for 
immorality,    he   was   deposed 
from  the  ministry  and  exclud- 
ied  from  the  fellowship   ofthe 
denomination.      He  has  since 
i  been  restored  and  has  preach- 
ed  occasionally    in     different 
places. 

Outhouse  Daniel,  the  pres- 
ent pas.  of  2d  ch.  in  Lubec,was 
ord.  pas.  of  ch.  Hodgdon,  '41. 
Owen  Shimuel,  was  lie.  by 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINIST ERS. 


the  1st  ch.  in  Brunswick  1820, 
received  ord.  as  an  evan.  in 
1824,  and  for  many  years  per- 
formed the  work  of  an  itine- 
rant. He  was  pas.  of  the  ch. 
in  Danville  from  1840  to  '42. 

Packard  Lucius,  was  ord. an 
«van.  at  Clinton,  Feb.  1837, 
and  supplied  the  ch.  2d  Cana- 
an, from  1837  to  '42,  with  a 
part  of  his  ministry.  He  now 
supplies  Belgrade  and  Read- 
field. 

Paine  Henry,  the  Principal 
of  China  Academy.  He  has 
preached  but  occasionally  since 
his  ordination. 

Palmer  Joseph,  came  into 
the  State  1801,  and  was  pas.  at 
Cornville  from  1801  to  1808, 
and  pastor  of  2d  Sidney  1809, 
and  officiated  to  1812.  After 
laboring  as  an  evangelist,  he 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Sumner, 
from  1817  to  '31  ;  of  1st  Mont- 
ville  from  1831  to  '35.  Since 
1835,  he  has  preached  a  part  of 
the  time  in  different  chs. 

Page  Jona.  F.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Atkinson  1830,  and 
was  useful  in  the  ministry  in 
that  and  some  other  chs.  for 
several  years.  He  has  been 
pas.  of  the  ch.  Dover  from  '35. 

Pattison  R.  E.,  President  of 
Wat.  ColLfrom  1836  to  1837. 

Fierson  Daniel,  ord.  in  1810, 
was  the  pas.  of  the  1st  Bow- 
doinham  until  1821,  when  he 
received  the  charge  of  the  2d 
ch.  in  B.  From  1822  to  '37,  he 
was  a  guide  to  this  ch.  He  is  j 
still  a  member. 

Pierce  James,  received  lie. 
by  the  ch.  in  Litchfield  1810, 
was  ord.  pas.  of  the  church  in 
Wales  1811,  and  sustained  the 
work  of  an  u,nder-  shepherd  till 
1832, 

20* 


Pierce  Daniel,  lie.  by  1st 
Lisbon  1816,  and  ord.  pas.  of 
that  ch.  1818.  He  was  pas.  till 
1819,  and  again  from  1821  to 
'24.  In  '25  he  received  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  church  in 
Greene,  and  sustained  the  con- 
nexion till  1828.  He  was  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Wales  from  1835, 
about  2yrs.  He  now  preach- 
es occasionally  in  various  chs. 

Pendleton  Amos  P., the  pres- 
ent pas.  of  3d  Livermorej  was 
ord.  an  evan.  at  Hope/,  Dec. '42. 

Pilsbury  Phinehas,  previous 
to  his  becoming  a  Baptist,  was 
a  deacon  in  the  Cong.  ch.  in 
Sedgwick,and  performed  some 
itinerant  labors  while  a  mem- 
ber of  that  ch.  He  was  ord. 
by  the  Baptists  atFayette,Jan. 
3,  1805.  He  was  engaged  as 
an  evan.  till  he  became  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Nobleborough  1808, 
where  he  was  successfully  em- 
ployed till  1835  ;  he  then  had 
the  charge  of  the  ch.  at  Wis- 
casset  about  1  yr.,  and  in  '37, 
became  pastor  of  the  ch.  in 
Greene,  where  he  now  labors. 
Besides  the  work  of  a  pas.  he 
has  been  very  eminently  dis- 
tinguished and  honored  of  God 
as  an  evangelist. 

Pilsbury  T.  L.,  was  ord.  at 
St.  George  1839,  and  an  asso. 
pas.  in  that  ch.  about  2  years  } 
since  1841,  he  has  been  engag- 
ed as  an  itin.  among  the  chbs. 
in  the  Penobscot  Association. 

Pinkharn  Eben'r,  rec.  lie.  by 
the  ch.  in  Freeport,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  at  Sedgvvick  1816.  He 
soon  became  pas.  and  officiated 
till  1820.  He  remained  a  mem- 
ber of  this  ch.,  preaching  in 
various  places,  till  1828,  from 
which  time  till  '82,  he  was  pas. 
of  2d  Sedgwick,  and  again  he 


454 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


served  this  ch.  from  1835  to  '39. 
Since  then  he  preaches  but  oc- 
casionally. 

Piper  A.  M.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Harmony  1838.  From 
1889,  nearly  2  years,  he  was 
past,  of  1st  ch.  Gardiner. 

Pool  William,  the  preaent 
pas.  of  2d  Whitefield,  was  in- 
ducted into  the  office  by  ord. 
April  1830. 

Porter  C.  G.,  the  present 
pas.  of  2d  Frankfort,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  at  Dixmont,  after 
preaching  by  lie.  from  the  ch. 
in  Calais,  July  1840.  He  was 
pas.  of  2d  Belfast  '41,  and  of 
1st  Searsrnont  '42. 

Porter  Lemuel,  while  a  stu- 
dent at  Wat.  Col.  in  1831,  was 
ord.  an  evan,  and  preached  for 
that  church  a  part  of  the  time 
for  2  or  3  yrs.  He  also  ren- 
dered much  important  assist- 
ance to  the  Baptists  in  Augusta 
dur.  their  first  reg.  movements. 

Potter  James,  was  among 
the  first  converts  east  of  New 
Gloucester,  and  beg.  to  preach 
immediately.  He  first  united 
with  the  Cong,  at  Harpswell, 
became  a  Bap.  in  1782,  was 
ord.  an  evan.  in  Oct.  1785,and 
officiated  as  pas.  at  Harpswell, 
from  1785  to  '88,  and  in  1st  ch. 
in  Bowdoin  from  1788  to  1811. 
Besides  these  stated  labors,  he 
travelled  much  in  the  new  set- 
tlements, was  a  pioneer  to  the 
Baptists  in  all  the  interior  parts 
pf  the  State,  and  was  instru- 
mental inlaying  the  foundation 
for  many  of  the  now  flourish- 
ing chhs.  Hedied  Mar.  1815. 

Powers  Francis,  was  ord.  at 
Anson  1823,  and  took  the  pas- 
toral charge  of  the  ch.  till  '37, 
preaching  for  them  one  quar- 
ter of  the  time. 


Powell  Evan,  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Cooper  from  18S6to 
'42,  preaching  however  but  a 
part  of  the  time  only  for  that 
ch.  He  has  been  employed  by 
the  East.  Quar.Conf.  in  Wash. 
Asso.  as  a  missionary  to  the 
dest.  He  is  now  pastor  of  the 
church  in  Topsfield. 

Proctor  Hadly,  com.  preach, 
at  1st  China  1823,  was  ordained 
pas.  '24,  preached  till  '26  ;  and 
again  he  was  pas.  from  1837  to 
'42,  when  death  closed  his 
work  on  earth. 

Purrington  Elihu,  bee.  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Topsham  1815, 
and  served  2  years  ;  and  then 
served  the  ch.  1st  Bowdoinham 
from  1821  to  '40. 

Remick  Timothy,  rec.  ord. 
at  Cornish,  and  was  pastor  of 
that  ch.  from  1805,  a  period  of 
27  or  28  years. 

Reed  Amaziah,  one  of  the 
first  dea.  in  the  ch.  in  Weld, 
was  ord.  an  evan.  1811,  and  for 
many  yrs.  rendered  important 
aid  to  that  ch.  by  his  ministry. 

Rice  S.  M.,  ord.  an  evan.  in 
1839  ;  has  preached  eince  in 
various  des.  chhs.  in  Pis.  Ass. 

Richardson  J.,  is  the  present 
pas.  of  the  South  Berwick  vil. 
ch.,  and  has  officiated  since  '42. 

Richardson  Zebadiah,  prea. 
at  Frycburg  from  1787  to  '05. 
Richardson  Abiathar,  the 
present  pas.  of  the  rh.  in  Ap- 
pleton,  was  ord.  and  rec'd  the 
charge  1822  ;  after  preaching 
some  years  as  a  licentiate. 

Ridley  James,  rec'd  ord.  '36, 
and  has  officiated  in  2d  Bow- 
doin 1836  ;  sup.  ch.  in  Mon- 
mouth  '37,  and  pas.  '38  to  '41. 
He  at  present  preaches  at  dif- 
ferent, places. 

Rich   Lemuel,   officiated  as 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


455 


pas.  of  the  ch.  Islesboro',  from 
1809  to  '15  ;  Union,  from  '22 
to  '26.  He  has  labored  much 
as  an  evan. 

Ricker  Daniel,  as  an  evan., 
he  belong,  to  the  ch.  in  War- 
ren, from  1817  to  '20,  and  was 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Freedom  from 
1821  to  1634. 

Ricker  George,  the  present 
sen.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Auburn, 
was  ord.  pas.  of  2d  Buckfield 
1805,  and  after  officiating  in 
that  ch.  about  5  yrs.,  he  rern. 
to  Minot  (now  Auburn)  in 
1810,  and  took  the  charge  of 
the  church  in  that  town. 

Ricker  Joseph,  rec.  lie.  by 
the  1st  ch.  in  Portland,  and 
was  ord.  an  evan.  at  Portland 
1842,  and  is  the  present  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  New  Gloucester. 
For  2  or  3  years  prev.  to  his 
entering  the  ministry,  he  was 
the  editor  of  Zion's  Advocate. 

Rider   Wilson    C.,    ord.    at 
Amherst  1830,  and  served  that 
ch    as  pas.  2  yrs.,  and  has  offi-  I 
ciated  in  Cherryfield  from  1834  I 
to  '36  ;  in  Leeds  '38  and  '39  ;  | 
and  preached  for  the  church  in 
Wayne  in  '40.     He  is   the  au- 
thor of  a    series    of  Lectures 
against  "  Universalisrn." 

Ripley  H.  J.,  officiated  as  i 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Eastport  fin  I 
1820  to  '22. 

Ripley  Tho's  B.,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  1st  Portland  July  24, 
1816.  and  served  in  that  office 
till  1828.  He  next  officiated  in 
the  ch.  in  Bangor  fin  '28  to  '34. 

Ring  John,  was  an  itinerant 
preach,  in  the  Lin.  Asso.  from 
1807,  many  years,  and  connect- 
ed with  the  1st  ch.  in  Jefferson. 

Rin?  Benjamin,  the  present 
pas.  of  Patricktown  Plantation, 
was  asso.  pas.  in  the  ch.  3d 
Nobleboro',  from  1840  to  '42. 


Robinson  Nath'l,  has  offici- 
aled  as  pas.  in  the  ch.  1st  Pa- 
lermo from  1805  to  '10  ;  in 
Cherryfield,  from  1810  to  '21  ; 
in  Dover,  from  1821  to  '34. 
Since  then  he  has  preached  oc- 
casionally in  different  chhs. 

Robinson  John,  ord. at  Corn- 
ville  an  evan.  1808,  and  sup- 
plied that  ch.  one  quarter  of 
the  time  for  one  yr.  He  has 
lab.  but  little  in  the  vineyard. 

Robinson  Otis,  was  ord.  pas. 
of  1st  Sanford  in  1798,  and 
presided  overthaitch.  till  1810. 

Robinson, T.  B.,  the  present 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Levant,  was 
ord.  at  1st  Montville  1826,  and 
officiated  in  thatch,  till  he  bee. 
pas.  of  1st  Thomaston  in '29. 
Here  he  served  till  1831  ;  and 
next  took  the  care  ofthech. 
in  Wayne  1831,  and  served  till 
'35  ;  he  then  removed  to  Le- 
vant, and  has  officiated  in  this 
ch.  from  1835  to  '39,  and  from 
'41  to  '45.  In  '39  was  pas.  of 
1st  ch.  in  Hampden. 

Robinson  Timothy,  was  pas. 
of  2d  ch.  in  Sidney  for  1824. 

Robbing  Eleazar,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Waterboro', 
and  served  from  1839  to  '42. 
He  has  preached  some  in  Ken- 
nebunk  and  Lyman,  and  in 
Sanford,  (Springvale.)  In  1843 
he  was  engaged  as  an  agent  for 
the  Dom.'Miss.  Soc. 

Robbins  Samuel,  preached 
for  the  ch.  Kennebunk,  in  '33, 
and  for  North  Buxton  in  '34. 

Roberts  Joseph,  was  ord. 
and  served  the  ch.  in  Danville 
as  pas.  from  1808  to  '27  ;  and 
the  ch.  in  St.  Albans  and  Hart- 
land  from  1828  to  'S3  ;  since 
then  he  has  been  engaged  in 
supplying  several  chhs.  occa- 
sionally. 

Roberts   Joseph  P.,  ord.  an 


456 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


evan.  jn  the  2d  ch.  Palmyra. 
Roundy  John,  rec.  lie.  by 
the  lst  ch.  in  Bluehill  in  1807, 
and  was  ord.  pas.  '09,  and  min- 
istered to  that  ch.  till  '20.  He 
has  since  officiated  as  pas.  in 
the  Penobscot  from  1820  to  '23; 
in  the  Charleston  from  1825,  to 
to  '35  ;  in  Franklin  1838.  He 
has  labored  also  much  as  an 
evangelist. 

Ruggles  Paul,  was  among 
the  Baptist  pioneers  among  the 
new  settlements  in  Penobscot 
Co.  After  preaching  some 
years  by  license,  he  was  ord. 

pas.    of  the   ch.   in  in 

1810,  and  preached  to  that  ch. 
till  '20,  when  the  Lord  called 
him  to  give  up  an  account  of 
his  stewardship. 

Roberts  Joshua,  was  pas.  of 
Kennebunk  from  1803  to '31, 
and  at  Limerick  from  '32  abt 
two  years. 

Sanders  John,  officiated  as 
jun'r  pas.  in  the  ch.  at  Lyman 
for  1831. 

Seaver  Horace,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Freeport  '31 ;  offic'ted 
as  pas.  at  Warren  '33;  in  1st 
Thornaston  from  '34,  about  2 
years. 

Seavv  John,  preach,  by  lie. 
about  3  years  for  the  ch.  in 
Limi-ngton;  was  ord.  pas.  1816; 
and  continued  the  connexion 
to  his  death  in  1844. 

Sargent  S.  G.,  the  present 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Belfast,  was 
ord.  to  the  charge  June  1838. 
Sargent  Walter  T.,  was  ord. 
at  Darnariseotta,  and  pas.  of 
2d  ch.  in  Nobleboro',  Sept. 
1838,  and  served  the  ch.  one 
year;  ofthech.  Bowdoinharn 
vill.  '41  ;  and  of  the  ch.  in  Mt. 
Vernon,  from  '42  to  '45,  where 
he  still  continues. 


Shaw  B.  F.,  the  present  pas. 
of  1st  China,  was  ord.  into  the 
office  1843. 

Sherburn  Andrew,  was  pas. 
of  the  ch.  Kennebunk  Port 
(lost)  from  1804  to  '19. 

St.  Clair  C.  P.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Dixmont  1842. 

Sibley  Clarke,  was  pas.  at 
Cape  Neddock  from  1834  to 
'35  ;  at  Saco,  pas.  '36  ;  Ken- 
nebunk Port  '37  to  '40. 

Slason  Wm.  N.,  haspreaeh- 
ed  at  Parsonsfield,  and  has 
been  pas.  in  the  ch.  at  East 
Machias,  1836  ;  in  Pembroke 
from  '37  to  '42  ;  in  Calais  '43; 
at  Parsonsfield  again  in  '44  ; 
and  at  Effingham,  N.  H.,  '45. 
Sheldon  David  N.,  Presid't 
of  Waterville  College,  became 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Waterville  in 
1842,  and  ent.  upon  the  duties 
as  Pres.  of  the  College  in  '43. 
Spearing  Joseph,  preached 
in  Clinton  and  in  its  vicinity 
several  years,  by  lie.  ;  and  af- 
ter his  ord.  he  was  jun.  pas.  in 
that  ch.  from  '41,  about  2yrs; 
Spaulding  Royal  C., was  set- 
tled as  the  minister  of  the  town 
of  Levant  by  ord.  in  1826;  and 
was  pas.  of  the  ch.  from  '28  to 
'34,  when  he  removed  to  Co- 
rinth, and  was  pas.  of  thatch, 
till  '43  ;  and  at  Houlton  in  '45. 
Small  Daniel,  the  present 
pas.  of  1st  ch.  in  West  Thom- 
aston,  was  placed  in  charge  by 
ord.  Nov.  1839. 

Small  B.  D.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Etna  1838,  and  sup- 
plied that  ch.  3-4  of  the  time 
from  '39  to  '42  ;  he  is  the  pre- 
sent pas.  ofthech.  N.  Bangor. 
Smith  Eliphalet,  labored  as 
an  evan.  in  Fayette  and  its  vi- 
cinity as  early  as  1790  ;  and 
was  pas.  of  that  ch.  from  1792 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


457 


to  1798  ;  and  united  with  Rev. 
Mr.  Billings  in  supplying  the 
ch.  some  years  afterwards.  He 
was  beneficial  to  the  Baptist 
cause  in  other  places. 

Smith  William,  officiated  as 
pas.  in  the  ch.  Readfield,  from 
1837  to  '41.  He  is  the  present 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Wales. 

Smith  Henry,  was  among 
the  early  Baptists  in  York  Co. 
He  was  ord.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in 
Waterboro'  1785,  and  was  the 
faithful  teacher  and  guide  to 
that  ch.  for  a  period  of  more 
than  40  years.  He  died  at  the 
age  of  84  years,  Feb.  11,  1836. 

Smith  Isaac  S.,  after  preach- 
ing 2  or  3  years  as  an  evan., 
bee.  pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Friend- 
ship, from  1822  to  '31 ;  of  the 
ch.  in  Freeport  from '32  to  '36; 
of  1st  Palermo  from  '37  to  '40. 

Smith  Samuel  F.,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Waterville 
Feb.  1834,  and  was  their  suc- 
cessful teacher  till  1842. 

Snow  Elisha,  commenced 
preaching  at  Thomaston  in 
1784,  and  was  ord.  an  evan.  at 
Harpswell  1790  ;  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  1st  Thomaston  from 
1794  to  1821.  He  was  much 
devoted  to  the  cause  of  God  ; 
travelled  much,  and  aided  ma- 
ny destitute  churches.  He  died 
Jan  30,  1832. 

Stinson  William,  was  ord. 
nt  Bowdoin,  and  pas.  of  the 
2-1  ch.  Litchfield  1792,  and 
served  that  ch.  till  1322. 

Stanley  Seneca,  was  lie.  by 
the  1st  ch.  Sidney  ;  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Cornville  1828  ;  with 
thisch.  belabored  successfully 
till  about  a  year  previous  to 
his  death,  Oct.  1838. 

Starr  Robert  C.,was  lie.  by 
the  ch.  in  Warren,  1811,  and 


ord.  an  evan.  in  1816.  The 
same  year  he  became  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Friendship,  and  la- 
bored till  1821.  He  aided  a 
supply  of  the  ch.  in  Woolwich 
from  1818  to  '21,  and  was  pas. 
of  that  ch.  from  1821  to  1828. 
He  then  removed  to  N.  Glou- 
cester and  was  pas.  of  that  ch. 
from  1828  to  33a  ;  from  1837 
to  '38,  supplied  the  ch.  in  Har- 
rison half  the  time,  and  was 
pas.  of  the  ch.  Oxford,  from 
1838,  1  yr.  For  1840,  he  was 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Leeds,  and 
from  1841  to  '45,  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Wayne. 

Stinson  Sam'l,  was  ord.  the 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Woolwich, 
and  served  them  from  1806  to 
J21.  He  died  Nov.  1823. 

Steward  Jonathan,  was  an 
evan.  1813,  and  has  been  use- 
ful in  the  denomination,  and 
especially  to  the  church  1st 
Bloomfield,  for  which  he  prea. 
much  from  1814  to  '25. 

Steward  James,  preached  in 
Stetson  and  vicinity  from  1808 
about  2  yrs.,  and  served  the 
ch.  in  Hope,  as  pas.  till  1812, 
and  then  in  Prospect,  2  or  3 
yrs.  The  remaining  part  of 
liis  time  was  devoted  to  oc- 
casional and  sometimes  stated 
supplies  of  different  chs. 

Steward  David,  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  ch.  Newport  and 
Stetson,  and  is  engaged  as  an 
evan.  supplying  that  and  oth- 
er chs.  since  1835  to  the  pres- 
ent. 

Stevens  L.  C..  entered  the 
ministry  and  became  the  pas. 
of  the  ch.  in  Richmond,  at  its 
organization  in  1834.  After 
serving  this  ch.  about  3  yrs., 
he  removed  to  Fayette,  and 
wasjun.  pas.  from  1837  to  '41. 


458 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


Again  he  served  the  church  in 
Richmond  one  year,  and  is 
the  present  pas.  at  N.  Sharon. 
Stevens  Daniel,  was  ord. 
and  became  pas.  of  2d  China, 
from  1823  to  1826,  and  sup- 
plied 1st  China  '27  ;  and  again 
he  was  pas.  of  2nd  ch.  in  C. 
from  1829  to  '32  ;  he  then  af- 
forded some  supply  to  the  ch. 
in  Albion  from  '33  to  '37.  He 
died  at  the  age  of  59  yrs. 

Stearns  Silas,  born  in  Wal- 
tham,  Mass.,  July  26,  1784  ; 
became  pious  at  the  age  of  18; 
was  ord.  an  evan.  at  N.  Yar- 
mouth Oct.  1807.  He,  after 
preaching  about  2 yrs.  atFree- 
port,  became  pas.  of  the  ch.  in 
Bath  Dec.  1810.  Here  he  la- 
bored till  called  away  by  death 
Aug.  1,  1840. 

Strong  H.  W.,  supplied  the 
ch.  in  Sariford  '40. 

Strong  J.  E.,  has  officiated 
as  pas.  of  the  ch.  Lebanon  and 
North  Berwick  since  1840. 

Swett  Samuel,  operated  as 
an  evan.  in  New  Sharon  and 
vicinity  from  1811,  2  or  3  yrs. 

Swett  Thomas  J.,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  1840,  and  has  preach- 
ed for  the  chhs.  Branch  Pond 
arid  Penobscot,  Han.  Asso. 

Still  John,  operated  as  an 
evan.  within  the  limits  of  the 
Lincoln  Asso.  from  1807,  ab't 
12  years. 

Taylor  Elias,  received  a  lie. 
to  preach  by  the  ch.  in  Bel- 
grade in  1808,  and  was  ord. 
pas.  1810,  from  which  time  till 
'38,  he  officiated  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  ch.  and  pleasure  to 
himself.  He  has  afforded  them 
much  profitable  aid  since  that 
time.  He  died  Jan.  19,  1845. 

Taylor  Comfort,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Athens  village  1838, 
and  for  '40  he  was  pas.  of  that 


ch.,  and  was  the  pastor  of  the 
ch.  "  St.  Albans  and  Hartland 
Village"  in  1843. 

Temple  Ichabod,  was  pastor 
of  the  ch.  2d  Webster  from 
1802  to  '06  ;  and  of  2d  Bovvdoin 
from  '07  to  '20. 

Tebbets  A.  G.,  was  ord.  an 
evan.  at  Exeter  in  1842. 

Thomas  Nathan,  originated 
in  the  ch.  in  Wayne,  and  after 
preaching  by  license  received 
from  that  ch.,  he  was  ord.  at 
Albion  '26,  and  was  pas.  of  that 
ch.  till  '31  ;  since  then  he  has 
operated  as  an  evan.  in  No.  8 
and  vicinity.  .  • .: 

Thresher  Eben'r,  rec'd  ord. 
and  was  pas.  of  1st  Portland 
from  1828  to  '30. 

Tilton  J.  H-J  was  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Limerick  from  '40  to '44. 

Tilley  William,  has  been  the 
pas.  of  2d  Sidney  since  1842. 

Titcomb  Benjamin,  was  one 
of  the  first  Baptists  in  Portland ; 
was  ord.  at  North  Yarmouth 
1799,  and  served  the  1st  ch.  in 
Portland  as  pas.  from  1801  to 
'04 ;  he  then  removed  to  Bruns- 
wick, and  was  pas.  of  the  1st 
ch.  in  B.  from  1804  to  '27  ;  and 
of  the  ch.  called  the  "  Village 
Church,  Brunswick,"  from  '29 
to  '36.  He  yet  lives  to  see  the 
Baptists  multiply. 

Titcomb  Benjamin  jr.,  son  of 
B.  T.,  was  born  in  Standi.sli, 
Me.,  Dec.  4,  1787.  He  pro- 
fessed Christ  in  Brunswick,  in 
1816;  in  '22  he  was  ord.  an 
evan.  ;  after  preaching  in  Free- 
port,  and  Charlestown,  Mass., 
by  lie.  for  2  or  3  years.  He  was 
a  useful  minister  of  Christ  till 
his  death,  March  1829. 

Torrey  Joseph,  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Readfield  from  1826 
to  '30. 

Tolman   Reuben,  preached 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS 


459 


in  Greenfield  and  No.  l,from 
1828,  2  or  3  years. 

Tripp  John,  the  present 
senior  pastor  of  the  ch.  in  He- 
bron, was  born  at  Fairhaven, 
Mass.,  March  25,  1761,  be- 
came pious  at  the  age  of  11 
years  ;  at  the  age  of  26  he  be- 
gan to  preach  by  lie.  ;  was  ord. 
at  Carver,  Mass.,  an  evan. 
1791  ;  in  '98  he  came  to  He- 
bron, and  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  pastor  in  that  ch. 

Tripp  L.  H.,  son  oHJ.  T., 
present  pas.  of  ch.  in  Cape 
Neddock. 

Tripp  Shubael,  another  son 
of  J.  T.,  was  ord.  at  Newfield 
1824,  was  pas.  1  year  ;  and 
was  the  useful  pas.  of  the  Ken- 
nebunk  Port  and  Kennebunk 
from  1833  till  his  death,  '37. 

Trask  Enos,  appeared  as  an 
evan.  in  1st  VVhitefield  in  '27; 
from  '30  to  '32  he  was  pas.  of 
the  ch.  in  Windsor  ;  from  '33 
to  '35,  of  1st  Jefferson  ;  and 
from  '36  to  '45,  of  1st  Noble- 
boro'. 

Tubbs  S.,  an  evan.  in  Ab- 
bot, 1842. 

Tyler  Samuel,  assisted  in 
affording  the  ch.  1st  Parsons- 
field  a  supply  of  the  ministry 
from  1830,  several  yrs  ;  from 
'35  to  '38,  he  was  pas.  of  the 
ch.  in  Woolwich. 

Very  Edward  D.,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  at  East  Machias  Oct. 
1838.  He  was  pastor  of  the  ch. 
(Milltown)  Calais,  from  1839 
to  '41 ;  and  the  Calais  Village 
ch.  from  '41  to  '43,  when  he 
resigned. 

Walker  O.  B. ,  after  preach^ 
ing  by  lie.  some-  years,  was 
ord.  pas.  of  thech.  in  Baring, 
1838  ;  from  the  years  ?40  to 
'42,  he  was  pastor  of  the  ch. 
3d  Livermore  ;  and  is  the  pre- 


sent pastor  of  the  ch.  "  Fox- 
croft  and  Dover." 

Warren  E.  R., officiated  as 
pastor  in  the  ch-  Newcastle 
and  Alna,  from  1834  to  '36  ;  in 
Vassalboro',  from '36,  1  year; 
in  Topsham  from  '37  to  '41  ; 
and  in  Augusta  to  close  of '43. 

Watson  Richard  Y.,  was 
ord.  an  evan.  at  Fayette  May 
1829,  and  '30  he  received  the 
pas.  charge  of  the  ch.  Vinal- 
haveti,  and  officiated  3  years; 
and  since  '33  he  has  sustained 
the  pas.  care  of  thech.  in  Sul- 
livan, &sup.  cb.  in  Hancock, 

Watson  Edmund,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  atHoulton,  Apr.  '36. 

Washburn  Job,  was  first  a 
deacon  in  the  ch.  2d  Thomas- 
ton,  and  an  evan.  1822  ;  and 
officiated  pastor  of  that  ch.  fin 
1824  to  '41  ;  he  is  the  present 
chaplain  for  the  States  Prison. 

Wakefield  John,  received 
ord.  as  an  evan.  in  the  2d  ch. 
Thomaston,  and  was  useful  to 
that  ch.  till  he  became  pastor 
of  the  church  in  Warren  in 
1821.  On  account  of  feeble 
health  his  ministry  closed  in 
1827. 

Wagg  John,  entered  the 
ministry  about  the  year  1806; 
but  was  never  very  successful 
in  the  work  of  an  evan.  or  pas. 

Webber  Stephen,  was  ord. 
pas.  of  the  ch.  in  Limington 
1803,  andsustained  the  charge 
till  '09  ;  since  labored  in  N.H. 

Winchester  Benjamin  P., 
was  ord.  pastor  of  the  ch.  in 
Corinna  Dec.  1829,  and  is 
their  present  minister. 

Wedgwood  J.  M.,  is  the 
present  pastor  of  the  2d  ch.  in 
Shapleigh. 

Wheeler  Hosea,  was  pastor 
of  the  ch.  in  Eastport  for  '22. 

Wheeler  Samuel,  operated 


460 


DICTIONARY  OF  MINISTERS. 


as  an  evan.  in  Philips  and  vi- 
cinity in  '16. 

Whitehouse  George, by  ord. 
became  pas.  2d  Jefferson  '36, 
and  prea.  to  that  ch.  till  '42. 

Whitehouse  D.,  preac.  for 
the  2d  ch.  Nobleboro',  in  '37. 

White  Edward  J.,  belong- 
ing to  the  2d  ch.  in  Palermo, 
was  ord.  an  evan.  at  Knox  Aug 
'35  ;  he  was  pastor  of  2d  Pa- 
lermo from  '40  to  '42. 

Williams  Elisha,one  of  the 
early  Baptists  in  Liverrnore, 
ord.  an  evan.  atthe  meeting  of 
the  Bowdoinham  Assoc.  Aug. 
1799,  and  was  pastor  of  the 
ch.  in  Brunswick  from  1800  to 
'03,  when  he  removed  from 
the  State.  [He  died  at  Bev- 
erly, Mass.,  Feb.  3,  1845.J 

Williams  N.  M.,  ord.  as  as- 
sociate pastor  at  New  Sharon, 
Jan.  1840  •  and  after  laboring 
with  this  people  2  years,  he 
removed  to  Farmington,  and 
has  charge  of  that  ch. 

Williams  N.  W.,  pastor  of 
the  church  in  Augusta. 

Wilson  Adam,  Editor  of 
Zion's  Advocate  ;  born  in 
Topsham,  Feb.  10, 1794  ;  bap- 
tized at  Topsham  July  1816  ; 
graduated  at  Bowdoin  College 
1819  ;  ordained  at  Topsham 
as  an  evan.  Dec.  13,  1820  ; 
spent  3  months  in  travelling 
among  the  destitute  ;  labored 
at  Wiscasset  3  years,  '21  to 
:23,  during  which  time  the 
Baptist  ch.  there  was  organ. 
In  '24  spent  3  months  as  a 
missionary  in  Washington  co., 
in  the  employ  of  the  Maine 
Baptist  Convention,  immedi- 
ately alter  its  organization  ; 
was  pastor  of  the  churches  in 
Turner  and  New  Gloucester 
4  years,  '24  to  '28  ;  was  Edi- 
tor of  the  Advocate  from  its 


origin,  Nov.  11,  '28  to  '38  ; 
then  pastor  three  and  half  yrs. 
at  Bangui*  ;  then  two  years  at 
Turner  ;  then  returned  to 
Portland  and  resumed  the 
charge  of  the  paper. 

Wilson  Joseph,  the  present 
pastor  of  the  ch.  in  Waldobo- 
ro',  after  laboring  successfully 
as  a  lie.,  was  ord  pastor  of 
that  church  in  '37. 

Wilbur  Asa,  ord.  an  evan. 
in  Sidney  1793,  and  was  pastor 
of  that  ch.  from  1796  to  1829. 

Wing  Asa,  an  evan.  in  2d 
Whitefield  1810  and  '11. 

Wood  Abialjjr.,  ord.  pas- 
tor of  the  ch.  in  Wiscasset 
1834,  and  preached  one  year. 

Woodard  Samuel,  was  a- 
mong  the  first  in  Brunswick  ; 
he  officiated  as  pastor  of  the 
East  Brunswick  from  1792  to 
1801  ;  he  was  a  member  of 
this  ch.  till  his  death,  Oct.  '31. 

Wyman  Thomas,  was  ord. 
an  evan.  in  Li vermore  about 
1806  ;  he  was  useful  to  this 
ch.  for  several  years.  The 
church  in  Greene  was  favor- 
ed with  his  ministry  the  year 
1808  ;  and  he  was  pastor  of 
3d  Livermore  from  '12  to  Sl7. 

Wyrnan  William,  son  of 
Rev.  T.  W.,  was  ord.  and  offi- 
ciated aa  pastor  of  the  church 
in  Bridgton  from  '28  to  '31  ; 
since  then  he  has  been  em- 
ployed in  supplying  various 
destitute  churches. 

Young  Levi,  operated  as  an 
evan.  among  the  destitute  in 
Industry  and  vicinity  in  1814. 

Young  Joshua,  was  pastor 
of  the  ch.  in  Columbia  and 
Addison  from  1794  to  1797. 
He  was  successful  as  an  evan. 
in  the  eastern  partofthe  State 
during  the  early  movements  of 
the  first  Bap.  in  those  places. 


STATISTICS. 


461 


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STATISTICS. 


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~>  71  6l  Of 


Character  and  duty  of  ch'rs. 
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No  letter.  Rev.  H.  P.  dec's 
Apostolic  Piety 


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472  STATISTICS. 

MAINE  BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


a 

Place. 

President. 

Clerk. 

Treasurer. 

1! 

f 

1804 

Readfield 

S.  Boardman  ,C.  Hamlin 

O.  Billings 

130,00 

9 

05 

Ml.  Vernon 

do. 

do. 

do. 

155,50 

9 

06 

Buckfield 

do. 

J.  Tripp 

do. 

201,65 

9 

07 

Brunswick 

do. 

do. 

S.  Boardman 

146,17 

9 

08 

Fayette 

do. 

do. 

do. 

9 

09 

Leeds 

do. 

do. 

do. 

9 

10 

Livermore 

R.  Low 

S.  Chase 

do. 

166,66 

9 

11 

Readfield 

do. 

J.  Haines 

do. 

173,00 

9 

12 

Paris 

do. 

do. 

R.  Norton 

157,24 

9 

13 

Jay 

do. 

do. 

do. 

187,47 

9 

14 

Brunswick] 

do. 

do. 

160,10 

9 

15 

Minot 

J.  Tripp 

do. 

do. 

337,15 

9 

16 

Livermore 

do. 

do. 

do. 

360,00 

9 

17 

Bath 

do. 

do. 

do. 

387,77 

9 

18 

Livermore 

do. 

do. 

do. 

366,22 

9 

19 

Paris 

do. 

do. 

do. 

350,68 

9 

20 

Livermore 

do. 

do. 

do. 

361,94 

9 

21 

N.  Yarmouth 

J.  Martin 

do. 

do. 

375,71 

13 

22 

Bridgton 

S.  Chapin 

do. 

do. 

456,00 

12 

23 

Brunswick 

do. 

.do. 

do. 

355,45 

11 

24 

Readfield 

do. 

do. 

do. 

417,00 

11 

25 

Bath 

do. 

do. 

do. 

119,16 

11 

26 

Livermore 

G.  Ricker 

do. 

C.  Barrell 

386,06 

11 

27 

Portland 

R.  Norton 

do. 

do. 

217,93 

10 

28 

Paris 

do. 

do. 

do.            238,71 

10 

29 

Turner 

do. 

do. 

do. 

675,00 

8 

35 

Buckfield 

W.  O.  Grant 

do. 

T.  Merrill 

10 

36 

Harrison 

do. 

do. 

do. 

332,17 

9 

37 

Turner 

J.  Tripp 

do. 

do. 

341,25 

3 

38!  Buckfield 

do. 

do. 

do. 

9 

39 

Paris 

N.  Chase 

do. 

do. 

7 

40 

Turner 

do. 

do. 

do. 

236,55 

31 

41 

Livermore 

A.  Drink  water 

T.  O.  Lincoln 

do. 

3fi 

42 

Turner 

H.  G.  Nott 

J.  Ricker 

do. 

918,44 

43 

43 

Warren 

do. 

L.  Colby 

H.  B.  Hart 

52 

ERRATA.    On  page  39,  line  17,  read '  when'  instead  of  '  where.' 
45     '      7,    "    '  Z.'  Richardson,  &c. 
53    "     19          '  1780,'  instead  of  1750.' 


132 
132 
167 
167 
203 
217 
276 
295 
377 


12 
14 

8 
11 

8 
20 
25 
30 

9 


'  seventy -one,' instead  of  seven.' 
'  Talorstown'         "     '  Tatonston.' 
'  R.  C.  Starr 
'I.  S  Smith 
'  Morse' 
•  Ball' 
'  I.  Hall 
'  Hale' 


'  A.  Lolhrop 


A  few  grammatical  errors  can  be  corrected  by  the  reader. 


'  1.  S.,'  &c. 
'  F.  S.  Smith.' 
'  Moses.' 
'  Bray.' 
'  J.  Hall.' 
•  Hall.' 
'  S.  Lothrop.' 


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